NPS Photo by Mike Laycock

Bobcat - Lynx rufus
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Quick bobcat facts:

• The bobcat has a short tail with a reddish brown or grayish colored coat.
• An adult bobcat usually weighs between 11 and 20 pounds and older animals occasionally weigh as much as 35 pounds.
• Bobcat dens are often recognized by a strong odor.
• Bobcats are expert tree climbers and often seek refuge in them if they are available.
• Their food consists mainly of small mammals and birds.
• Breeding season for bobcats begins around February. The kittens are born approximately two months later with the average litter size being three. The kittens are weaned around 2 months and they stay with their mom until autumn.
• Yearling females rarely breed during their first year, but they may mate between their first and second years and breed annually afterwards until 8-9 years of age.
• Most bobcats are nocturnal and solitary.
• Some may wander up 25 to 50 miles, but they usually stay within a 2 mile radius.