Bobcat

Bobcats - Habitat and Range

Like all felines, Bobcats are solitary and territorial animals. Males have larger home ranges than females. The home ranges of males may overlap with home ranges of a few females. And vice-versa, females allow males to roam on their territory. Such behavior is called intrasexual exclusiveness. Individuals defend their territory and warn about their "property rights" by marking areas with urine and feces.

Bobcats - Pictures

Photo courtesy of
Big Cat Rescue

Bobcats are rarely seen in the wild due to their nocturnal life style and coat color that bends with surroundings. Bobcats meet only during the mating season or when a mother is rearing the young.

The Bobcat inhabits a wide variety of habitats. These wild cats prefer remote forested areas and are often found in rocky regions. The species is found in the United States and southern parts of Canada. Its density differs greatly from one area to another. In some regions, the population of the Bobcat is so dense that there have to be certain management measures taken to avoid Bobcat predation. However, in some areas, the Bobcat is a species of special concern due to its low numbers.

Bobcats - Reproduction and Life Cycle

The social life of Bobcats is very limited. The species is solitary and can be seen with other animals during the mating season only. Bobcats mate in early spring. The gestation period is about 62 days. A Bobcat female makes a den in hollow log or a cave. A litter averaging 3 is born yearly. The young are born blind and small. Female Bobcats may move the kittens from one place to another for protection.

By the age of two months old, the kittens are completely weaned. During the weaning period, the mother will defend the offspring. However, It has been estimated that many of the kittens die due to predation. The male does not help to rear the young. The offspring will remain with the mother until the age of 12 months. After they reach the adult size and learn necessary hunting skills, the kittens will leave the mother in search of their own home ranges. Bobcats tend to live more than 12 years in the wild.

Bobcats - General Information Links

Animal Diversity Web - Bobcat - Learn about this feline that makes its home throughout North America. View a photo and discover its habits.

Animal Tracks - Bobcat - Read about the natural history of Bobcats. Includes drawings and pictures of their paw prints and stories about people tracking these animals.

Big Cats Online - Bobcat - Describes the physical characteristics and behavior of Bobcats. View pictures and a map of geographical distribution.

Bobcat Characteristics - Get the facts about Bobcats including their habitat and feeding habits, reproduction behavior, and life cycle.

Bobcat Description - (Kids/Teens/Mature Teens) - Comprehensive information about the habitat, size, population, diet, and appearance of the Bobcat.

Bobcats - Pictures

Photo courtesy of
Big Cat Rescue

Bobcat Guide - The Bobcat is a familiar animal, but it is secretive and seldom seen. Educate yourself on the species!

Bobcat Information (Teens/Mature Teens) - Contains information about the Bobcat such as life span, habitat, and body weight.

Bobcat Pictures, Wallpaper and Information - Brief information on the species and posters with pictures.

Bobcat Printout- EnchantedLearning.com - Description and diet of the Bobcat.

Bobcat Species Account - Description, distribution and abundance, habitat, habits, foods, reproduction, and conservation information.

Bobcats - All about Bobcats including appearance, habitat, diet, and reproduction.

Bobcats - Oakland Zoo - Feline is nocturnal when living in threatening areas and diurnal when protected. Uncover its social and dietary habits.

Bobcats in Brief - Brief information and a picture.

Critter Corner: Bobcats - What has a stubby "bobbed" tail, sideburns, spiky ear hair and gets called lots of names? It's the Bobcat, one of two large felines (cats) found in Wisconsin and the most common in North America.

Critter Questions about Bobcats - General information and links to Bobcat related sites.

Everglades National Park: Bobcats - The Bobcat is common in Everglades National Park. Contains brief information on the species.

Forest Friends: Bobcats - General overview of the species.

Georgia Wildlife: Felis rufus - General information on the Bobcat and status in Georgia.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park - Bobcats - Information on the Bobcat.

Living Desert: Bobcats - Learn what the Bobcat looks like by view photos and reading a description of it physical attributes. Tells of its diet and a few of its behaviors.

Living With Wildlife in Bobcat Country - Much of Oregon is prime Bobcat country. These small, powerful predators have lived here for thousands of years, preying on small mammals and birds and play an important role in the ecosystem.

Bobcats - Pictures

Photo courtesy of
Big Cat Rescue

Mammals of Texas: Bobcats - Fact sheet about this medium-size feline includes physical traits and habits. Discover how shy these animals are, and when they like to hunt.

Nature of New England: Bobcats - Examine a photo of Lynx rufus and browse links to learn about its habitat, behavior, and physical attributes.

Sierra Safari Zoo: Bobcats - Pictures and general information on Bobcats from Sierra Safari Zoo.

Texas Parks and Wildlife's Bobcat Factsheet - Describes the Bobcat's physical appearance, exposes its habits, and displays the where it lives in the state of Texas.

The Bobcat (DesertUSA) - (Teens/Mature Teens) - Facts about scientific names, common names, description, behavior, range, habitats, and life cycle.

The Wild Habitat - Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - Visit this page to learn more about the Bobcat.

Wildlife Viewing: Bobcats - The Bobcat resembles a deluxe version of the domestic cat: twice the size and more muscular. Learn more.