Bobcat
The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a native mammal and a member of the Felidae family. Bobcats are about twice the size of the common house cat.. Females and males are colored the same, but males are generally larger. Males range from 12 - 40+ lbs. with an average of 18-28 lbs., while females range from 9 - 34 lbs. and average 14 - 20 lbs. The tail is short and gives the appearance of being "bobbed."
The bobcat is the most widely distributed native felid in North America and is found statewide. It can occupy a wide variety of habitats due to its wide prey base.
The bobcat is the most widely distributed native felid in North America and is found statewide. It can occupy a wide variety of habitats due to its wide prey base.
Typical bobcat habitat is mixed forest and agricultural areas that have a high percentage of early successional stages. The bobcat is a carnivore and an opportunistic predator. Common prey items include mice, rats, rabbits and various other small mammals.However, bobcats will also prey on reptiles, birds and feral cats. Bobcats can prey on animals as large as deer and will feed on hunter killed or road-killed deer. Bobcats are very rarely seen due to their extreme nocturnal habits and natural shyness.
Mortality on bobcats can be caused directly by other animals, by competition with other animals for food, diseases and parasites, and by man. Coyotes, hawks, and owls may prey on bobcat kittens and coyotes may out compete bobcats (especially juveniles) in years with low prey abundance.
Tracks of a bobcat are usually quite difficult to find except in sandy soils. Bobcats prefer traveling on stable ground and often use fallen logs, rocks and trees as their roadway.
Mortality on bobcats can be caused directly by other animals, by competition with other animals for food, diseases and parasites, and by man. Coyotes, hawks, and owls may prey on bobcat kittens and coyotes may out compete bobcats (especially juveniles) in years with low prey abundance.
Tracks of a bobcat are usually quite difficult to find except in sandy soils. Bobcats prefer traveling on stable ground and often use fallen logs, rocks and trees as their roadway.
