Bobcat

The Bobcat, although it does not bare the family name is a distinct species in the Lynx genus. It is thought that the original bobcats were much larger than at present and have perhaps reduced in size as a result of competition with early puma species, so as to now take advantage of a different niche in the predatory food chain.

In comparison with the Canadian lynx the bobcat is generally smaller and although it shares many of the common lynx characteristics, it can be differentiated from the lynx in a number of ways. The bobcat has less pronounced ear tufts and cheek ruffs, a dark tip covering only the top of its ‘stumpy’ tail, much smaller feet, and a generally more patterned and varied coat coloration. Ground fur color ranges from light grey, through yellowish brown to reddish brown and markings vary from ‘tabby’ stripes to heavy spotting. In general, bobcats found in the southern parts of their range are darker and smaller, whilst cats in the north are usually paler and larger.

The bobcat like all lynx has a great liking for hare and rabbit, which form a major part of the diet. However, unlike the Canadian lynx, which almost exclusively hunts the snowshoe hare, the bobcat will commonly switch prey species when its preferred source of food is unavailable. Males will hunt larger prey such as deer in the winter months when other prey is scarce. Bobcats also prey on other small mammals, such as squirrels and chipmunk, rodents and birds. Generally they hunt both by night and day, although there is evidence to suggest that most hunting takes place at dawn and dusk, corresponding to peak periods of activity of the hare and rabbit, their main prey species. In behavior, the bobcat is less secretive than its Canadian relative and is found in a broad range of habitats from the Canadian/USA border and in all of the Upper Peninsula. Bobcats are found in coniferous and mixed forests.