Animal Fact Sheet
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Bobcat
Lynx rufus
What does it look
like?
Bobcats' reddish brown coats provide excellent camouflage.
- Facial tufts or "sideburns" and ear tufts may aid
their keen hearing
- Average shoulder height is 20 to 24 inches
- Average length is between 25 to 42 inches
- Males can weigh from 20 to 30 pounds and, somewhat smaller,
females weigh
15 to 20 pounds
- The name comes from their stumpy 4-to-6 inch tails, and their
bobbing gait
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| Where
in the world?
Found extensively throughout North America from southern Mexico
to Canada, the farther north bobcats live the bigger they grow.
The largest are found in Canada. Adaptable, bobcats live in a variety
of habitats from mountain ranges to prairies, and from subtropical
swamps to deserts.
What are some behaviors?
Extremely territorial, bobcats mark their boundaries with urine
and droppings as well as by digging up the ground. Male bobcats
may defend territories of up to 40 square miles, although they may
share common boundaries with other males.
Bobcats are good swimmers, but rarely go into
the water. However, on hot days, they may sit in pools of water
to keep cool. Black and white ear spots may be used as communication
or identification, but experts' opinions vary as to their purpose.
What about offspring?
Mating takes place in winter and a male mates with two or three
females that share his territory. Females are thought to give birth
every other year. Average gestation is 60 days with a litter size
of 1 to 5 kittens. Kittens are born with their eyes closed, opening
after about 7 days. Once kittens can eat solid food, at about 8
weeks, the male is allowed to return to the den. The young stay
with their mother for six to nine months, or until the next breeding
season. |
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What does it eat?
Rabbits and hares make up two-thirds of bobcat's diet. However,
they will also consume small rodents and birds. During a night-long
hunt, bobcats may travel up to 25 miles. Although a nocturnal hunter,
bobcats are also active at dawn and dusk. In the northern part of
their range, bobcats will hunt by day during winter if food is scarce.
Is it threatened
or endangered?
No, not at the present time. The Living Desert does not breed common
animals but rather obtains confiscations as non-releasable rehabilitations. |
