We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Pets

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Bobcat?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Jun 04, 2024
Views: 10,121
Share

Bobcats are relatives of the lynx found throughout North America. They are the smallest of the lynxes, with lanky legs, big paws, and distinctively shortened tails which make them instantly recognizable. These wild cats are extremely adaptable, found in a wide range of territories from deserts to deep woodlands. Like other wild cats, bobcats are vulnerable to hunting for their fur, and in some parts of North America, the cats are protected through hunting regulations to ensure that they will continue to thrive.

The appearance of a bobcat varies, depending on where the animal is found; desert bobcats, for example, tend to have more sandy brown fur, while woodland cats are darker with more spots. As a general rule, a bobcat has reddish brown fur marked with spots and sometimes striped legs, and the classically tufted ears which mark all lynxes. The short tail of a bobcat is tipped with white, and the animals are often quite muscular and stocky. In cold regions, bobcats grow a thick coat of fur to protect themselves from the elements.

There is some debate over the scientific classification of the bobcat. Many biologists have agreed upon Lynx rufus for the animals, while overs prefer Felis rufus, arguing that lynxes should not be placed in their own genus. Lynxes certainly have some distinct traits which seem to suggest that they can safely be classified in their own genus, and both usages are generally considered correct. Bobcats are among the most well known of the lynxes, because they tend to be less shy than their cousins, and the animals may be found very close to human settlements.

Like other lynxes, bobcats particularly favor hare and rabbit, but they will eat other small mammals as well. At times, the animals will also go after larger prey, usually because they are having difficulty finding small mammals. Bobcats are generally solitary, although they do briefly meet to mate in the early spring. The female bobcat bears a litter of two to six kittens after two months, and oversees the kittens until they are large enough to strike out on their own.

Native American mythology often features bobcats along with other wild cats such as the cougar. The predators were associated with strong hunters, and they were sometimes contrasted with Coyote, a major figure in Native American mythology. There has been some concern about heavy hunting of bobcats for their beautiful spotted fur, and in some regions the animals are also trapped as pests because they harass livestock. Biologists hope that the adaptability of the bobcat will ensure that the animals endure for the enjoyment of future generations.

Share
All Things Nature is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a All Things Nature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By chrisinbama — On Nov 08, 2010

Bobcats are able to take down prey that is 8 times their own weight. They often kill sheep and deer. Bobcats are very good at stalking and ambushing their prey. They sneak up on their prey before using their powerful hind legs to generate exceptional bursts of speed. They are graceful yet fierce predators.

By OceanSwimmer — On Nov 08, 2010

@dega2010: The modern bobcat appears to have evolved around 20,000 years ago from the Eurasian Lynx. Bobcats are highly adaptable and are seen in many different habitats across the United States.

By dega2010 — On Nov 08, 2010

How long have bobcats been around?

By anon62908 — On Jan 29, 2010

I never knew what a lynx was. Thanks for the help.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.allthingsnature.org/what-is-a-bobcat.htm
Copy this link
All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.