Bobcat Specifications

Bobcats, which are also commonly referred to as wildcats, are the most abundant wild cat in North America, according to National Geographic. In fact, the bobcat population in North America is believed to be as large as 1 million. The animals are hunted and trapped for their fur and threatened by habitat destruction and expanding human encroachment. They are protected by endangered species laws in Mexico and New Jersey.

  1. Characteristics

    • Bobcats are named for their "bobbed" tails. They have ears that resemble that of the lynx, and they can grow to weigh between 11 and 30 pounds, or about twice as large as the typical house cat. According to National Geographic, most bobcats are brown to brownish-red in color, with a white underbelly and a short, black-tipped tail. They're further characterized by long legs and large paws. They can live up to 13 years in the wild.

    Habitat

    • Bobcats are nocturnal and generally avoid humans, so they're seldom seen. But they're believed to roam most of North America, from western Canada all the way down to central Mexico. They adapt well to diverse habitats such as deserts, forests, swamps and even suburban areas, according to National Geographic. Females choose a secluded den in these areas to raise kittens, which remain with the mother for up to 12 months.

    Diet

    • Bobcats are hunters and carnivores and able to kill prey up to 10 times their weight. However, their typical diet usually consists of rabbits, birds, mice, squirrels and small game. Bobcats are also known to eat deer, lamb, chicken and pigs. They hunt with stealth and patience, sneaking up on their prey before executing a leaping pounce that can cover up to 10 feet.

    Reproduction

    • Bobcats typically breed in late winter. Gestation usually lasts anywhere from 50 to 70 days and kittens, which can range in litters from one to six, are born in early spring. According to Defenders of Wildlife, the kittens begin to eat solid food when they're 2 months old and then begin to hunt at 5 months. Bobcats are territorial and females never share territories with one another. Each female has a territory of about five square miles.