Bobcats occur frequently in the southern half of North America but are rarely found in midwestern states.  They are common in the mountains of the Carolinas and the coastal plain as far north as the Great Dismal Swamp.  Larger populations occur in the mountains and coastal plain than in the piedmont.

DESCRIPTION

Bobcats are somewhat larger than domestic cats, ranging from 24 to almost 40 inches in length, including the tail.  They weigh between 16 and 24 pounds, depending on their sex, with males typically being heavier than females.  Their mottled coloration varies from grayish to reddish brown with small darker spots and blotches.  The tail is short and tipped with black on the upper surface.  Long hairs on their faces resemble “sideburns” and their ears are usually dark with a white patch near the tip.

HABITS AND HABITATS

Bobcats are solitary hunters that prey mostly on small mammals such as rabbits and rodents, although they will also eat birds and even large animals like the white-tail deer.  Bobcats have binocular vision which enables them to focus on swiftly running prey.  Their pupils expand to take in all available light, making them extremely effective night hunters.  Sharp claws that assist in climbing are also retractable, allowing the bobcat to approach their prey more quietly.  They can stalk to within a few feet of their intended prey and then make a short dash or pounce.  Bobcats have compact skulls (fewer teeth and shortened jaws) coupled with long canine teeth.  This provides them with tremendous biting pressure that can kill their prey in one bite.  Bobcats begin breeding at one year of age, usually in late winter or early spring.  Two to four kittens are born after a gestation period of about 62 days.  The young are furred but blind at birth.  In about ten days their eyes will open and at four weeks they begin to explore the area around the den.  They are weaned in about seven to eight weeks.  Bobcats occupy a variety of habitats where there are dense thickets, including coastal swamps and upland forests.  Although they are often undetected, bobcats can live close to humans as long as there is suitable habitat.  They make their dens in hollow trees, small caves, and underneath rock ledges and outcroppings.

HISTORY

Bobcats were once found throughout the United States but today it’s range is more limited.  A major mortality factor appears to be the available food supply, although parasites and diseases can also affect the population.  It is legal to hunt and trap bobcats in North Carolina during set seasons.  The price for bobcat pelts has recently risen and some wildlife biologists feel that increased trapping pressure could possibly threaten bobcat populations in some areas.

MEET OUR BOBCATS

The Nature Center  is home to a male and female bobcat. Our male bobcat was born in 2005 and came to us from a wildlife rehabilitation center in South Carolina when he was 6 months old  The female was captive-born at the Boise City Zoo in 2001.  She enjoys climbing and may be seen peering down from the top of a tree.  Our bobcats are fed a varied diet of meat, including beef heart, rats, mice, and a commercially prepared zoo diet for carnivores.  If you like our bobcats and find them particularly fascinating, you can support them by participating in our “Adopt an Animal” Program through the Friends of the Nature Center!

INFORMATION LINKS

Wild About Cats
World Wild Cats

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©2002 WNC Nature Center