World of Animals
Featured Animals
General
Bobcats may be the most common US wildcat, but they are very interesting! To jump to a specific section, use the Quick Jump below by clicking on the headings.
|
|
| Sizes -Length: 25-42 inches -Tail: 8 inches -Height: 20-24 inches -Weight: 13-24 lbs. (40 lbs. has been recorded) |
|
Habitat
and Habits
-found in a wide variety of habitats
-mountains
-prairies
-sub-tropic swamps
-deserts
-forest areas
-does not like open, tree less areas because they don't provide any cover
-nocturnal hunter but is active during dawn and dusk also
-possibly hunts by day in the winter when food is very scarce
-extremely territorial
-males have a territory
of up to 40 sq. miles
-females have a
territory of up to 20 sq. miles
-mothers with young are extremely aggressive
-rest in hollow trees and small caves
-are good swimmers, but rarely venture into the water
-the farther north bobcats live, the larger they grow
-coat provides excellent camouflage
Food
and Feeding
-rabbits and hares make up 2/3 of diet
-remainder consists of squirrels and mice
-sometimes prey on deer, and domestic sheep or goats
-kills prey by sneaking up quietly and then pouncing
-very strong for its size
-during a night long hunt, males may travel 25 miles
| Bobcat
and Man -most common wildcat in the USA -hunted for sport -trapped for fur -a subspecies in Mexico is endangered |
|
Facts
-gets its name from the stumpy tail
-male bobcats are responsible for feeding young, even though they may father up to three
litters which could be as many as 18 kittens
-have a life span of up to 30 years in captivity