Bobcats

Bobcats are wild cats about twice the size of a house cat. They have spotted fur, pointy ear tufts, and a short tail that looks like it was cut off. That short tail is how they got their name! Bobcats live in forests, deserts, and swamps across North America. They are shy animals and hunt mostly at night.

What They Look Like

Bobcats have soft fur that can be brown, tan, or gray with dark spots. Their bellies are white, and their ears have black tufts on the tips. They weigh between 15 and 30 pounds. Their strong legs help them leap long distances. The back legs are a bit longer than the front legs, which gives them a bouncy walk.

Hunting and Food

Bobcats are carnivores, which means they only eat meat. They love to hunt rabbits, mice, squirrels, and birds. Sometimes they catch bigger animals like deer when food is hard to find. Bobcats are sneaky hunters and use their spotted fur to hide in tall grass. They wait quietly and then pounce on their prey with a quick jump.

Bobcat Kittens

Mother bobcats have two or three kittens each spring. The babies are born in cozy dens inside caves, hollow logs, or thick bushes. Kittens drink their mother's milk and learn how to hunt by watching her. After about a year, the young bobcats leave to find their own homes. Bobcats usually live alone except when raising kittens.

Fun Facts

• Bobcats can jump more than 10 feet in a single leap.
• They are great swimmers, even though most cats do not like water.
• A bobcat's roar sounds a lot like a human scream.

Did You Know?

Bobcats are the most common wild cat in North America, but many people have never seen one because they are so good at hiding.