North America's most widespread wild cat — about twice the size of a housecat with a short "bobbed" tail and tufted ears. Despite their range, bobcats are so secretive that most people who live near them never see one.

Also called: Bobcat, Wildcat

Native status: Native; widespread

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 60–110 cm (24–43 in); tail 30–45 cm
WeightMales 8–18 kg (18–40 lb); females 6–14 kg
LifespanWild 7–10 years
OrderCarnivora
FamilyFelidae

§ Encyclopedia

The bobcat, also known as the wildcat, bay lynx, or red lynx, is one of the four extant species within the medium-sized wild cat genus Lynx. Native to North America, it ranges from southern Canada through most of the contiguous United States to Oaxaca in Mexico. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2002, due to its wide distribution and large population. Although it has been hunted extensively both for sport and fur, populations have proven stable, though declining in some areas.

Source: Wikipedia — Bobcat Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium-sized spotted cat with prominent ear tufts and short "bobbed" tail with white underside.

Similar species. Canada Lynx (longer legs, larger feet, gray coat). Mountain Lion (no spots, much larger).

Voice. Yowls and screams during mating season.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Cottontails, ground squirrels, deer, livestock, birds. Highly opportunistic.

Behavior. Crepuscular and adapted to suburbia. Maintains territories of 5–20 km². Excellent climber.

§ Range

Throughout most of the contiguous US, southern Canada, Mexico

§ Habitat

Diverse: forests, swamps, deserts, suburban edges

§ Threats

Rodenticide poisoning (secondary), vehicle strikes, mange outbreaks, illegal trapping.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the bobcat is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Use only first-generation rodenticides if any. Drive slowly at dawn/dusk on rural roads. Report mange cases to state wildlife agencies.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — Wildlife Guide
  • USFWS species profile
  • IUCN Red List 2015