Geographic range of bobcats. Roberts, Nathan M, and Shawn M Crimmins, 2010
Geographic range and origin: Bobcats (Lynx rufus) have a natural geographic range running from Southern Canada into Southern Mexico. Although bobcats can be found all over the continental United States, they are most commonly found in the southeastern parts (Roberts and Crimmins, 2010).
Habitat: Forests, covered grasslands, deserts, and mountains
Description: Gray to red-brown, with dark spots and stripes. Usually between 25-41 inches long, 21 inches tall, and weigh between 13-29lbs (Roberts and Crimmins, 2010). Unlike lynx, bobcats have smaller ears and a short dark tail. Additionally bobcats are solitary animals that only interact during mating season. Wild bobcats can live between 12-15 years, however, captive bobcats can live upwards of 32 years (Ciszke, 2002).
Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 11/25/2011
Young Bobcat.
David Behrens
Reproduction: Usually solitary, bobcats will only come together from December to April for mating season. Females tend to only mate with one male, however, males usually have multiple partners. Litters between 2-4 individuals are extremely common, however, upwards of 6 is not unheard of.Gestation of female bobcats is usually between 1.5-2.5 months (Roberts and Crimmins, 2010). Cubs tend to stay with the mothers for about 8 months to a year, before they become independent, with females becoming mature at 1 year and males becoming mature at 2 years. Threats to cubs include coyotes, owls, and foxes, with the occasional bobcat.
Conservation status: Relatively common, widespread and abundant throughout its natural range, with some areas being protected due to lower population totals.
Ecological importance: Bobcats are known for being extremely opportunistic hunters, eating a wide variety of animals including: rats, deer, rabbits, and the occasional farm animal. They are also very well adapted to change in their environment due to humans.
Cultural importance or uses: Bobcats are hunted in 38 states for their pelts. Due to differences in natural ranges it is legal to hunt in some areas, while other areas are illegal to protect the local populations of bobcats. According to Roberts and Crimmins, In 2000-2006 the average annual export of skins was 29,772, with an all-time high of 51,419 skins exported in 2006. Most of the harvested skins were sent to Asia.
References: Ciszek, Deborah. “Lynx Rufus (Bobcat).” Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, 2002, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lynx_rufus/. Roberts, Nathan M, and Shawn M Crimmins. “Bobcat.” International Society for Endangered Cats (ISEC) Canada, International Society for Endangered Cats (ISEC) Canada , 2010, wildcatconservation.org/wild-cats/north-america/bobcat/