Animal Field Guide

Bobcat

Lynx rufus
(Felidae)

Global Rank: G5
State Rank: S5

Agency Status
USFWS: No Status
USFS: none
BLM: none

The bobcat is about twice the size of a domestic cat and is the smallest of our native cats. Individuals exhibit considerable variation in color. Base coloration can be light gray, yellowish-brown, buff, brown, or reddish-brown. Under-parts and inside of legs are white with black or dark brown spots. Facial fur is often streaked with black. Dorsal surfaces of the ears are black with a prominent white spot. Short tuft of black hair is present on the ears. This cat has a short tail, black only on the upper portion of the tip. Bobcat fur is short, dense, and soft. Retractile claws. Total length: 28 to 37 inches. Weight: 15 to 35 pounds.

Lynx - bobcat feet are much smaller than those of the lynx. Feet lack large furry pads characteristic of the lynx. Also have shorter legs than lynx. Lynx has black color all the way around the tail tip. other cats - have a long tail.

Harvest often comprises the major source of mortality in exploited populations (Litvaitus et al. 1987). Hair brittle and pelt formerly of limited economic value until recent demand for spotted cat furs (Caire et al. 1989). In Virginia, pelt value was about $38 in 1986 (Handley 1991). Infrequently and locally a problem due to predation on small livestock.

Non-migratory. Sometimes extensive movements, e.g. juvenile ranges of 222.1 sq. km (Brainerd 1985).

Utilizes wide variety of habitats; known to be an animal of "patchy" country. Prefers rimrock and grassland/shrubland areas. Often found in areas with dense understory vegetation and high prey densities. Natural rocky areas are preferred den sites May be active during all hours but is primarily nocturnal. Solitary animal that is difficult to observe in the wild. (FWP). In Central MT selected for cover types (52+% canopy cover) corrected with high prey densities (Knowles 1981). In W. MT den sites within caves, btwn boulders, in hollow logs, or abandon mine shafts (Brainerd 1985).

Snowshoe hares and jackrabbits are the most common prey. Also feeds heavily on medium-sized rodents. Will eat carrion.

In W. MT annual average home ranges (AD): females=58.6 sq km, males=79.0 sq dm. N. Central MT adult male=83.3 sq km. Reproducing females exhibit reduced movements. Density estimated 1 adult/49.8 sq km in C. MT (Brainerd 1985, Knowles 1981).

Usually mates during spring. Litter size averages from two to four. Gestation 50 to 60 days. Young born May through June (FWP). Litter size 1-6, rarely over 4, averages 2.69 young/litter. Yearling preg. rate 39.4%, adult preg. rate 89.6%. No significant differences detected between litter sizes or ovu- lation rates in E. or W. Montana (Brainerd 1985).