The name "bobcat" comes from the short bobbed tail. They are the smallest members of the lynx family. Their color ranges from gray in the winter to reddish-brown in the summer. They have large paws and legs with a short body. Their weight ranges from 15 to 35 pounds while their length ranges from 24 to 40 inches. Their tails are black with a white tip, usually 4 to 8 inches long. They have tufted ears and a mostly white stomach.

Diet

A bobcat's diet depends on where it lives. If living by a farm, they may steal lambs, cows, and young pigs. When living in the forest, they eat rabbits, squirrels, mice, gophers, deer, shrews, porcupines, chipmunks, and rats. They even have been known to eat quail. Many farmers and ranch owners have become angry and shot bobcats when they have stolen their animals. It is against the law in some states to kill a bobcat.