![lynx rufus lynx rufus](https://www.natureplprints.com/p/729/portrait-wild-female-bobcat-lynx-rufus-kitten-20117810.jpg)
In the wild: Up to 15 to 20 years, maximum. Life History The reclusive Bobcat is active. They have a short tail, long legs, and large feet. Its ears usually have small tufts at the tips, and its fur is longer on the sides of its head than on the rest of its body, forming a ruff. The term lynx will apply to the other three species of the genus: the Eurasian, Iberian, and Canadian lynxes. For the purpose of this article, the term bobcat will refer to a single species, Lynx rufus, also known as just the bobcat or the red lynx. Young may be taken by Great Horned Owl, fox, and male bobcat.įemales: Physically mature at 1 year of age begin breeding during 2nd yearĢ to 3 young, on average (majority of litters 1 to 6)įemales give birth once a year rarely, 2 litters per yearĪpproximately 280 to 370 g (9.9 to 13 oz) The Bobcat is a medium-sized, reddish brown or grayish cat. These differences are interesting in what it says about the bobcat’s lifestyle. Uncommonly, birds.įew non-human predators-coyote, mountain lion, wolves, Burmese python, domestic dogs. Also deer (particularly fawns) and medium-sized mammals (e.g., mountain beaver, porcupine, marmot). Mainly small mammals, particularly rabbits/hares, small rodents (e.g., rats, mice, squirrels). Temporary mixing of litters, mixing of juveniles and adults, or male near female with kittens. Often defend territory from other bobcats, particularly individuals of same sex. Most active during early to late morning and at dusk sometimes also at night.Īdults solitary, except during breeding. Most time spent on the ground, though excellent climbers. An estimated 2.3 to 3.6 million individuals in the U.S. Occurs in a wide variety of habitats, including forest, shrubland, grassland, deserts, coastal marshes/swamps, and agricultural areas.Ĭonsidered abundant. Widespread in North America: southern Canada to southern Mexico. Upper parts light gray to yellowish brown to reddish brown.
![lynx rufus lynx rufus](https://images.freeart.com/comp/art-print/fa13989233/wild-bobcat-lynx-rufus.jpg)
More genetic research needed to clarify population structure (Kitchener et al. Recent concern regarding bobcat (Lynx rufus) population status has prompted researchers and managers to gather additional information about bobcats in South. Their soft, dense coat is light grey to reddish brown, and they are randomly barred and spotted with black or dark reddish brown.
![lynx rufus lynx rufus](https://bugwoodcloud.org/images/1536x1024/4709042.jpg)
*Note: One or more unique subspecies may occur in Mexico. The Bobcat Lynx rufus is the most successful wild cat species in North America, and more easily recognized than many other small wild cats. Species: Lynx rufus (Schreber, 1777) - botcat Genus: Lynx (Kerr, 1792) - bobcats, lynxes Order: Carnivora (Bowdich, 1821) - carnivores All rights reserved.Ĭlass: Mammalia (Linnaeus, 1758) - mammals Offered multiple small meals in a day vs.Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.Diversity in meal quantity and frequency.Rotation of habitat areas (New Children’s Zoo).Drink water from drip source (rather than pool).Like all lynx genus it has a short puffy tail, long ears with. It is the smallest of the lynx genus, having twice the size of the average domestic cat. Dig up partially buried food (e.g., from under soil) Family, Description and Size: The Bobcat ( Lynx rufus) is a North American mammal of the cat family Felidae or felines specifically it is one of the four lynx species.Search and climb to access hanging food.Scratch claws on wood or other material.Provides complete nutritional profile (i.e., essential proteins, vitamins, minerals).Previously frozen small mammals, such as rabbits and mice.Mist, snow, and ice provided during warm months.Similar to wild habitats in southern California.This section describes general husbandry/care aspects for lynxes, including bobcat and Canada lynx, at the San Diego Zoo (Nicki Boyd, personal communication, 2020).