Bobcat

bobcatbg: BobcatCOMMON NAME: Bobcat

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lynx rufus

DESCRIPTION:

The bobcat is a mammal in the cat family. It is about 28 inches (71 cm) long and has a short or "bob" tail. It weighs 20 - 25 pounds (9 - 11 kg) and has long, soft fur that is reddish-brown with blackish spots and lines. Its face is much like a domestic cat only larger and with erect ear tufts.

The bobcat is a skillful tree climber, but only does so in search of food or to escape danger. They have retractile claws; withdrawn to keep from becoming dulled while walking; they are automatically extended for climbing or catching prey when the bobcat stretches out its paw.

LIFE HISTORY:

Life Span: 10 - 14 years in the wild, up to 22 years in captivity.

Mating Season: Winter

Gestation Period: 50 days

Litter Size: 1-6

Litter per year: 1, if a fertile mating is not achieved at estrus, then estrus reoccurs.

ECOLOGY:

Niche: Its chief source of food is rabbits, but it also eats snakes, mice, rats, birds, ground squirrels, porcupines, and a few small deer. They are largely carnivorous, with shearing molars, but may consume substantial amounts of vegetation, mostly fruit and some grass. Natural predators are great horned owls which may take young bobcats. Adults may be taken by mountain lions and domestic dogs.

Habitat: Relatively common statewide from the deserts to mountains; grasslands, chaparral, woodlands, and forests. Bobcats range from Southern Canada to Central Mexico.

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