Lynx rufus

Identifying Features

Bobcats are between 25-40" long with an orage-brown to grey coat. They have a barred or spot-like pattern in black on their backs as well as a black tail with a white tip. They leave behind 2" long rounded tracks with 4 clawless toes.

Habitat & Range

Found across the United States, Southern Canada, and Mexico, the bobcat lives across a variety of habitats including woodland, swamp, and desert.

Behavior

Bobcats eat a variety of small and medium sized mammals, birds, and sometimes carrion. They will also kill and eat weaker deer.

Life Cycle

Late winter is mating season, and small litters of 2 or 3 are born after 2 months. Young leave their mother in the fall and winter.

Featured image by Malcom.