Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

Mammal Wild cat Carnivore

Overview

The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a medium-sized wild cat native to North America and one of the continent's most widespread and adaptable predators. About twice the size of a house cat, it takes its name from its short, “bobbed” tail and is a member of the lynx genus.

Secretive and largely solitary, bobcats occupy a remarkable range of habitats, from forest and desert to scrub and the edges of suburban areas, where they help control populations of small mammals.

Conservation note: the bobcat is widespread across much of North America and generally not of conservation concern across its range, though regional management varies. Verify current status at iucnredlist.org.

Classification

The bobcat is one of the cats in the genus Lynx, alongside the Canada lynx, Eurasian lynx, and Iberian lynx. FaunaHub also has a broader lynx overview.

Habitat & Range

Bobcats range across much of the United States, southern Canada, and Mexico. They are habitat generalists, using forest, woodland, semi-desert, scrub, and the fringes of developed areas, provided there is cover and adequate prey.

Diet & Hunting

Bobcats are carnivores that hunt mainly small to medium mammals, with rabbits and hares often important, along with rodents and birds. They are ambush hunters, relying on stealth and a short, fast rush, and are most active around dawn and dusk.

Behavior & Social Life

Bobcats are solitary and territorial, marking and patrolling home ranges that vary with habitat and prey. They are agile climbers and capable swimmers, though they hunt mainly on the ground. Communication relies on scent-marking and a range of vocalisations.

Appearance & Recognition

Bobcats have a tan to greyish-brown coat, usually marked with dark spots or bars, a pale underside, short black-tipped ear tufts, ruff-like facial fur, and the short black-banded tail that gives the species its name. The combination of spotting, modest ear tufts, and stubby tail distinguishes bobcats from the larger, greyer Canada lynx.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Bobcats coexist with people across much of their range and sometimes appear near suburban areas. They are managed as furbearers and game in some jurisdictions, with regulations intended to keep populations sustainable. For current status and management context, consult authoritative sources.

More photos of the bobcat