Bobcat

The bobcat gets its name from its short
"bobbed" tail. The lynx, which

is not found in Alabama, is often confused with
the bobcat. One of the easiest ways to tell them
apart is to look at the tail. The bobcat's tail has a
black stripe along the top and is white on the
underside. The lynx has a black tip on its tail. In
addition, the lynx usually has longer tufts of hair
on its ears and a more prominent ruff of hair
around the face. The lynx is also usually larger
than the bobcat. The bobcat is not adapted to
snowy conditions, as is the lynx, so its legs are
shorter and its feet are smaller in comparison with
its size. People rarely see or hear bobcats
because they are very secretive and like to be left
alone. They are masters of camouflage and
hiding. Their spotted coats blend with the
surrounding vegetation and dappled sunlight
when they are resting during the day. They are
mostly active at dusk and during the night when
they can move about quietly, hidden by the
darkness.