Bobcat Animal

A Bobcat animal is a close relative to the Canadian Lynx. The Bobcat has evolved from the Eurasian Lynx, which came to North America through the Bering land bridge during the Pleistocene. A small population of these animals was isolated from the others by glaciers and formed a distinct species similar to modern Bobcats. The rest of the Eurasian Lynx population developed into the Canadian Lynx. Bobcats and Canadian Lynxes are able to breed and produce hybrid offspring.

There are 12 subspecies of the Bobcat animal. They inhabit various regions and vary slightly in coat color and feeding habits. Desert subspecies are lighter in color and smaller in size than northern ones inhabiting dense forests and swamps. There are no geographic breaks between the habitats of these subspecies and they often crossbreed producing hybrids.

The Bobcat animal is the smallest of Lynxes. It looks much like a large domestic tabby or spotted cat. The spotted pattern of the Bobcat acts as a camouflage in the vegetation. Like in all Lynxes, the ears of the Bobcat have short tufts. The hair beneath the ears is long, making the face wide. The fur of the Bobcat is long and dense. It protects from wind and frost. Bobcats are very efficient hunters with a sharp sense of smell, hearing, and vision. They are excellent climbers and can swim when it’s needed. Adult male Bobcats measure between 14 and 15 inches at the withers, with the body length between 28 and 47 inches and 16-30 pounds in weight. Female Bobcats are smaller, weighing around 20 pounds. The tail of the Bobcat is very short, only 4 to 7 inches long. In Bobcats, hind legs are longer than the forelegs, providing for long leaps. 

Like all felines, Bobcats are pure carnivores. They are active at dawn and twilight, but in winter, they hunt in the daytime. When hunting, Bobcats move along their habitual routes and look for prey. The principal prey of the Bobcat is hare and rabbits, though they take advantage of any small mammal, bird, fish, and sometimes carrion. A Bobcat animal is an important part of the ecosystem.