Mammal · GBIF taxon 2435246
Bobcat
Lynx rufusAlso known as Wildcat, Bay Lynx, Red Lynx
Bobcats are highly adaptable, solitary predators distinguished by their short bobbed tails, tufted ear tips, and spotted coat patterns. They hunt stealthily during twilight hours, stalking rabbits, rodents, and birds through diverse landscapes ranging from dense forests to desert scrub. Scent marks, claw scrapes, and rare vocal caterwauls establish strictly defended home ranges across North America.
CrepuscularSolitaryCarnivore
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Eastern Cottontail
- Snowshoe Hare
- White-footed Mouse
Predators
- Cougar
- Gray Wolf
- Coyote
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, vehicle collisions, secondary rodenticide poisoning, and trapping
HabitatsForests, swamps, deserts, brushlands, and rural edges
Life span7–12 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyFelidae
- SpeciesLynx rufus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Avoid approaching or cornering; observe from a respectful distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Capable of inflicting severe bites or scratches using sharp claws and teeth when cornered or defending young.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for tufted ears, a short black-tipped tail, and a reddish-brown spotted coat.
- What to do
- Maintain a distance of at least 15 meters; back away slowly if encountered and never corner the animal.
Responsible observation
- Glimpse at Dusk: Scan brushy field margins and rocky outcrops during twilight hours when activity peaks.
- Respect Space: Give wild cats ample room to retreat and never attempt to corner or feed them.
- Protect Pets: Keep small dogs and cats indoors or supervised around dusk in known bobcat habitat.
Competitor Yathin S Krishnappa / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Primary Prey (c) Andrew Murray, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Murray · cc-by
Predator National Park Service / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative Michael Zahra / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain
The Forest Floor
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