For the first time in more than 50 years, Indiana has reopened bobcat trapping—putting one of our state’s most elusive and once-endangered wild animals back in the crosshairs. This decision was made despite widespread public opposition and a glaring lack of reliable data proving that the bobcat population can survive this renewed threat.

Bobcats were nearly wiped out from Indiana by 1969, only recovering enough to be removed from the endangered species list in 2005. But recovery does not equal abundance. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has allowed trapping to resume in 40 counties, with a statewide quota of 250 bobcats, yet even they admit they’re using this season to “gather information.” In other words: we’re experimenting with the lives of wild cats to see what happens.

This isn’t responsible wildlife management—it’s a gamble. Senator Scott Baldwin and others have claimed bobcats pose a threat to rabbits and birds, but there’s no clear scientific consensus that their presence is disruptive to the ecosystem. Meanwhile, humane groups like Humane World for Animals have made it clear: there is no robust population data to justify this season, and the majority of Indiana voters oppose it.

Bobcat trapping serves a tiny minority of recreational trappers, not the public interest. Even when so-called “non-lethal” traps are used, the outcome is almost always the same: once captured, the bobcat is killed for its fur, meat, or as a trophy. The first bobcat caught this season was turned into earmuffs and drink coozies. Is this what we’re sacrificing a once-endangered species for?

We urge Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to immediately suspend the 2025–2026 bobcat trapping season and any in the future. Let’s prioritize conservation over cruelty, and science over sport.

Sign this petition to show Indiana’s decision-makers that our native wildlife deserves protection—not profit-driven exploitation.