Bobcat

Lynx rufus

Origin: North America

Lifespan: 7 years, rarely exceeds 10 years

Size: Adults males weigh from 14 to  40 lbs and adult females weigh from 9 to 34 lbs. They are the smallest of the four lynx species (Bobcat, Canada lynx, Eurasian lynx, and Iberian Lynx)

Diet: Carnivorous

• Preys on rodents, birds, fish, insects, foxes, skunks, mink, etc

• Favorite prey are rabbits

Activity: Crepuscular (active mostly during twilight hours, dusk and dawn)

Reproduction:

• Males begin breeding by their second summer.

• Females begin breeding as early as their first breeding season starts February to March

• Typically gestation is 60 to 70 days

• Females raise the young alone

• Within three to five months of age, the young begin traveling with their mother

• The are fully capable of hunting for themselves by fall of their first year

Extra Facts:

• Also called "Wildcats" or "red lynx"

• Bobcats tend to be more aggressive than the Canada Lynx

• They are built for warmer climates compare to other Lynx

• A collective group is called a "Clowder" or "Clutter"

• Males are called "Torns." Females are called "queen."

• Can reach speeds up to 34 mph and jump as high as 12 ft

• Named because of their bobbed tails.