Bobcat (mammal)

The Bobcat (Lynx rufus, or Felis rufus) is a wild cat indigenous to North America.

The Bobcat is so named for its short or "bobbed" tail. It stands approximately 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) high at the shoulder and is brownish grey in color. The male Bobcat typically weighs from 11-16 kg (24-35 lb) and its habitat is most of western and southeastern United States and Mexico. There are few Bobcats in Canada, which is the primary habitat of the related Canada Lynx.

A Bobcat in an urban surrounding

Bobcats are carnivores that typically hunt wild rabbits, hares, and rodents, but will also attempt to hunt the larger deer in winter months when other food is scarce.

Subspecies

• Lynx rufus rufus, northeastern USA
• Lynx rufus baileyi, southwestern USA
• Lynx rufus californicus, California, Nevada
• Lynx rufus escuinapae, central Mexico
• Lynx rufus fascinatus, British Columbia
• Lynx rufus floridianus, southeastern USA
• Lynx rufus gigas, Maine
• Lynx rufus pallescens, Rocky Mountains
• Lynx rufus peninsularis, Baja California
• Lynx rufus superiorensis, northwestern and central USA
• Lynx rufus texensis, northern Mexico, Texas