The short answer is yes. Arkansas is one of a small number of states where you can legally own a bobcat without a state-level permit, though you are limited to no more than six at a time. Under Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations, bobcats are among the native wildlife species that may be taken from the wild and kept in captivity as pets.
That said, “legal” does not mean “simple” or “safe.” Bobcats are wild predators with complex needs, and Arkansas’s relatively permissive stance at the state level still comes with important caveats. Local ordinances, federal wildlife rules, housing requirements, and public safety concerns all factor into whether keeping a bobcat is actually viable for you.
Before you pursue bobcat ownership, you need a clear picture of every rule that applies and every risk involved. If you enjoy learning about wildlife regulations and animal behavior across the United States, Animal of Things publishes in-depth, state-specific guides that can help you stay informed.
Arkansas Law At A Glance
How State Wildlife Rules Treat Native Wild Cats
Arkansas classifies bobcats as furbearing animals under the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). Unlike most states, Arkansas does not outright ban private possession of bobcats. According to AGFC Code Book regulations, it is lawful to take bobcats from the wild and keep them in captivity as pets…