Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

Cat Family (Felidae)
Bobcat is a mid-sized cat, reaching 3.5 ft long, 2 ft tall at the shoulders, and 30 lbs. It is gray to brown to reddish brown to tan above with many dark spots and whitish below. It has whitish lips and chin, a pink nose, yellow eyes, and a ruff of fur around its lower face, giving the face a wide appearance. It has black-tufted, pointed ears and a black-tipped, stubby tail. It has black bars on its forelegs and tail. Males are larger than the females. Kittens are born spotted and fully furred. Most active around dawn and dusk and at night, though more active in the daytime when it is cold. Territorial and generally solitary, but territories do overlap, with males being more tolerant. Marks territory with urine and feces and by clawing trees. Breeds usually from late winter into spring. Its gestation period is around two months. They usually live to 6-12 years of age in the wild. Females have 1-6 kittens per litters and are the sole caregiver. Carnivore with rabbits, hares, and rodents constituting their main diet, but will prey upon many species from insects to deer to birds. Has sharp hearing and vision. Can climb well and will swim if needed. It lives in dens in a rock or tree crevice. Found from southern Canada to northern Mexico in a variety of habitats from swamps to forests to mountains to semi-desert to urban edges. Has been hunted for its fur and sport. Has 12 subspecies. Used to have the scientific name of Felis rufus.

Listed as Endangered in NJ and OH; Threatened in RI; and Species of Special Concern in IN and MD.


Copyright Brett Miley