The Bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a North American mammal of the cat family Felidae, appearing during the Irvingtonian stage of around 1.8 million years ago (AEO).[3] With twelve recognized subspecies, it ranges from southern Canada to northern Mexico, including most of the continental United States. The Bobcat is an adaptable predator that inhabits wooded areas, as well as semi-desert, urban edge, forest edges and swampland environments. It persists in much of its original range and populations are healthy. With a gray to brown coat, whiskered face, and black-tufted ears, the Bobcat resembles the other species of the mid-sized Lynx genus. It is smaller than the Canada Lynx, with which it shares parts of its range, but is about twice as large as the domestic cat.
Ten Facts about Bobcat
- When bobcats roar or growl, it is so rough and deep they are often mistaken for a mountain lion.
- If a bobcat thinks that it is in danger, it will stay in its home for days at a time without ever coming out.
- Bobcats are twice the size of their relative the housecat.
- It is common for a bobcat to walk 4 miles in a day.
- The bobcat does not have an accurate sense of smell.
- Bobcats have been known to live up to 25 years, but most will live only 15 inches tall.
- Bobcats are highly adaptable creatures and can be found in almost any climate. Forests, deserts, swamps, brush land, mountains and even suburbs are all home to bobcats.
- Generally bobcats feed on small woodland creatures, such as rabbits, squirrels, birds and rodents.
- According to National Geographic, there are as many as 1 million bobcats in the United States.
- Occasionally, a bobcat will attack larger game like foxes, deer and even domestic animals like sheep if they can't track down their normal prey.
