Bobcat - Americas adaptable wildcat

Being nocturnal as well as elusive, Bobcats are not normally spotted by humans. Despite being seldom seen, they are still the most abundant wild cat in North America. They inhabit areas of desert, swamp, forest, are known to live close to human settlements. Similarities to the Canadian Lynx include, large feet, long limbs, and ears with tufts at the tips. They are approximately two times the size of a domestic cat.

They are a very adaptable and resourceful cat, which lives in habitats ranging from the dense vegetation of Southern California to the citrus groves of Florida. Essentially ,the bobcat can be found in all parts of the United States except the Midwest. It is also found in Canada and parts of South America. The various sub-species share characteristics in habitats. They all seem to want dense shrub cover, protection from bad weather, plenty of prey, den sites, safe areas to rest in where they won't be disturbed.

They are a brown to brownish red with black spots with a white underbelly and short, black-tipped tail. Its fur may be grayer in winter. They have fairly large ears with tufts of hair on the tips. The cheeks have a ruff (beard) that is striped as well as a black tipped, short tail. Its name comes from the bobbed tail. In Florida, Melanism is common. They are about two feet tall to the top of the shoulder. They can weigh anywhere between 15 to 30 pounds depending on what region it comes from. The bobcat alaso has exceptional sight and hearing.

Bobcats are carnivorous and have a wide variety of prey such as rabbits, rodents (rat and mice) possums, raccoons, squirrels, birds, and sometimes deer. They are fierce hunters and can kill prey much bigger than themselves but tend to stalk the smaller prey.

Location and season determines its breeding seasons. This is the only time when they will hunt and eat together. Females have litters of one to six kittens, choosing dens that are secluded. Nursing last for about 2 months after which, she will wean them and start them on solid foods. She will teach them to hunt and then she will drive them away at eight to twelve months of age, making them disperse to find their own territories.

In some areas, they are still trapped for their fur. North American species are larger than other sub-species, It is estimated the more than one million are in the United States.