The Bobcat: The Silent Stalker of the Woods
Bobcat
Lynx Rufus
Feline
-
Habitat
Forests -
Food
Rodents -
House
Cave -
Conservation
Least Concern
Key Takeaway
A medium-sized wild cat native to North America with “bobbed” tails. Light gray to reddish-brown fur with dark spots for camouflage. They are quiet, still stalkers in the night. For as cute as they look they’re fierce. Beware.
What are identification tips for Bobcats?
The Bobcat is a medium-sized feline. While mostly nocturnal, they can be active during dawn or dusk and sometimes even during the day. But look closely because they are masters of blending in:
Tail: Bobcat tails are short and stubby with a distinct black spot on the end and a white underside.
Ears: The ears of a Bobcat are more rounded than a Canadian Lynx’s ears. They have a white spot on the back of each ear, which is otherwise black on the backside.
Face: Bobcats have wide, flat faces with flaring tufts of fur on the cheeks.
Fur: From light gray to reddish-brown. A lighter underbelly with dark spots. The color depends on the time of year. In the winter, they’re a lighter gray, whereas in the summer they have the reddish-brown.
Medium Size: They weigh between 8.8 and 33 pounds, meaning they can be roughly the size of, or twice the size of, a house cat.
Tracks: Bobcat footprints are round, about two inches across. Visible claw prints are rare unless the cat is moving fast, and their toes are asymmetrical over a trapezoidal pad.
Scratching Posts: Claw marks left on trees or stumps mark territory boundaries. The markings are generally found two to three feet off the ground.
Caches: Bobcats hide larger prey carcasses under leaves, dirt, or other debris so they can come back and feed.
Are there similar species or look-alikes to Bobcats?
Forests and other habitats in North America are home to other felines, but here are a few things to look for when determining what you’re looking at:
The Key Differences To Look For
Canadian Lynx: Larger and stalkier than a bobcat. A Lynx has snowshoe-looking paws to get through deep snow. Their ears are pointed with tufts, and their tail is solid black-tipped without the white underneath.
Mountain Lions: Adult Mountain Lions are much bigger than bobcats; their kittens, however, may look like bobcats in the color of the fur and the spots. They are much longer in the body and have a long tail, though.
American Bobtail (Domestic): These house cats have short stubby tails and large athletic bodies. They come in many “house cat” colors
Where are Bobcats found?
They can be found across North America, ranging from southern Canada to Mexico and east to west:
Boreal And Coniferous Woods
Hardwood Forests
Deserts And Scrubland
Costal Swamps
Grasslands And Savannas
Suburban And Urban Fringes
They favor areas where they can find abundant rabbits, rodents, fish, and birds.
How do Bobcats hunt and forage?
Watch a Bobcat hunt, and you will see the art of stealth and patience. These cats are hunters but also opportunistic:
Primary Prey: Rabbits are the core of their diet.
Small Mammals: They will also eat rodents such as squirrels, mice, voles, and shrews.
Large Prey: During the winter, bobcats have been known to hunt yearling deer when deep snows slow them down. They are also opportunistic and will feed off of adult deer or other large prey brought down by other predators such as coyotes, wolves, fishers, and other predatory creatures.
On Occasion: They will catch and eat birds, reptiles, and small livestock.
Hunting Strategy: Bobcats are stealthy trackers; they leverage brush, rocks, and logs in order to creep in on their prey. Then, when within striking distance (20 to 35 feet) of their target, they use an explosive spring to capture the animal in their claws. They also locate active trails, bedding areas, or burrows and wait for their prey to appear.
Territory: Bobcats have foraging territories that can span up to 50 square miles depending on the abundance of food. Male bobcats have larger territories that may overlap with multiple female bobcats.
What is a cache? When bobcats catch prey that is larger than they can eat in one sitting, they commonly “cache” the carcass by covering it with leaves, snow, or dirt to protect it from other scavengers. They will then later return to feed on it.
What are the nesting and breeding habits of Bobcats?
Bobcats are extremely solitary and territorial animals. The only time they interact as adults is to mate. Here are some details:
Solitary Lifestyle: Adult bobcats live alone. While a male bobcat’s territory will overlap with multiple female territories, female territories will not overlap.
Dens: Bobcats will not dig their own dens. Rather, they find hidden areas such as caves, rock crevices, hollow trees, brush piles, or abandoned animal burrows to shelter in.
Scent Marking: Bobcats will aggressively protect their territories. The first line of defense to warn other bobcats off is urine, feces, and anal gland secretions.
Mating: Female and male Bobcats are polygynous. They mate with many partners. Typically, breeding peaks in February and March. Typically, these cats are extremely quiet; their safety depends on it. During breeding season, they become highly vocal. They screech, yowl, and hiss. Females are mature at one year and males at around two years.
Gestation And Litter Size: Bobcats are pregnant for 60 to 70 days. The female bobcat will give birth to one to four kittens in April or May. The male bobcat plays no role after mating.
Growth And Independence: Much like domestic cats, the kittens are born blind. Around 10 days, their eyes open, and they are weaned by two months. Their mother will start teaching them hunting and survival skills between three and five months; before that, they stay near the den while mom goes out and hunts. They will leave their mother to establish their own territories around eight months.
What is the migration of Bobcats?
Bobcats have a wide range of habitats:
Geographical Range: From southern Canada through central USA and down as far as Oaxaca and Michoacán, Mexico.
What types of noises do they make?
While these cats are mostly silent, when they do speak, they are eerily human-like:
Scream: A loud, rising scream that sounds like a human in pain. Female bobcats use this to attract male bobcats during mating season.
Growl: A deep warning noise, signaling intruders to keep away.
Hiss: Sharp and defensive, often used when the growl doesn’t frighten the intruder away. At this point, the cat is feeling threatened.
Yowl: A low, short sound used when adults negotiate territory borders.
Chirp: Soft, high-pitched, somewhat bird-like noise. If you hear this, it is a mother bobcat communicating with her kittens.
Chatter: Like domestic cats when they spot a bird outside the window, bobcats will make this noise when they spot prey that’s a little too far away or out of reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bobcats dangerous?
They are generally not considered dangerous to humans. They are shy, elusive animals that tend to avoid contact with people. That being said, they are wild animals, and although they are cute, they should not be approached.
What should I do if I see a Bobcat?
If you encounter one of these elusive creatures, remain calm and avoid direct eye contact. Back away slowly and quietly, giving the animal space to leave the area. Do not approach or attempt to feed the bobcat. If the bobcat appears aggressive or does not leave, contact local wildlife authorities for assistance.
What is a Bobcat?
It is a medium-sized wild cat native to North America. It has a distinctive short tail, tufted ears, and a spotted coat. Bobcats are solitary and territorial, primarily hunting small mammals and birds. They are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts.
What is the difference between a Bobcat and a Lynx?
The Bobcat and Lynx are both wild cats, but they have distinct differences. The Bobcat is smaller, with a shorter tail and tufted ears, while the Lynx is larger, with longer legs and a more pronounced ruff of fur around its face. The Bobcat has a more varied habitat and diet, while the Lynx is more specialized, primarily hunting snowshoe hares.
What is another good resource for learning more about Bobcats?
