Facts
- Native to California
- Commonly mistaken as a lynx
- 11-33 lbs.
- Range is on average 15 square miles
- Long-legged for a cat, large paws
- Expert climber, swimmer, and powerful fighter
- Carnivorous; feeds mainly on rabbits and rodents
- Mostly nocturnal and crepuscular (dawn and dusk active)
- Spotted fur, tufted ears, short bobbed tail
- Known to crouch next to water troughs and streams and strike down bats as they fly low to drink
People and Bobcats
- Bobcats are usually shy, yet they may not run away at the first sight of a human
- Healthy bobcats are usually not an immediate threat to humans; they are only about the size of cocker spaniel
- Growls and snarls are so deep that people sometimes think bobcats are mountain lions
- Bobcats are generally not persecuted as pest species in North America. They may occasionally raid poultry, but bobcat depredations are uncommon
- People have been killing bobcats, hunting and trapping them for pelts, for profit since 1730
- Because they primarily prey on rodents, bobcats are very valuable to the environment; they help to keep the rodent population down
How to Coexist
- If you see a bobcat, give it space and do not approach it; use noise to discourage it.
- Do not leave pet food and water outside.
- Bobcats usually don't threaten pets and children, since their main prey is much smaller, but it's a good idea to keep small pets indoors and small children shouldn't be left unattended.
- Don't use poison to kill rodents. You may inadvertently kill bobcats and other wildlife that prey upon rodents.
