Bobcat

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Small wild cat native to North America

The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a medium-sized wild cat native to North America. It ranges from southern Canada, through most of the contiguous United States, to Oaxaca in Mexico. The bobcat is an adaptable predator that inhabits wooded areas, as well as semi-desert, urban edge, forest edge, and swampland environments.

Description

The bobcat resembles other species of the genus Lynx, but is on average the smallest of the four. It has distinctive black bars on its forelegs and a black-tipped, stubby tail, from which it derives its name. The bobcat is muscular, with a compact build, and its fur varies in color from shades of brown or beige with spots of darker brown.

Behavior and Diet

Bobcats are solitary and territorial animals. They are crepuscular, being most active during twilight. Their diet consists mainly of rabbits and hares, but they also hunt rodents, birds, bats, and occasionally deer. Bobcats are known for their stealth and are capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves.

Reproduction

Bobcats typically breed from winter to early spring. After a gestation period of about 60 to 70 days, the female gives birth to a litter of one to six kittens. The young are weaned at around two months old and begin to learn to hunt at around five months. They usually leave their mother and establish their own territories by the time they are one year old.

Habitat

Bobcats are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for cover, such as forests, swamps, and scrublands. They are also found in suburban areas where they can find food and shelter.

Conservation Status

The bobcat is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and large population. However, it is still subject to threats such as habitat destruction, hunting, and vehicle collisions.

Related Pages

• Lynx
• Wildcat
• North American fauna
• Predators

References

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