Bobcat

Habitat
Bobcats are found throughout North America from southern Canada to southern Mexico. Although it is the most common of North America's small wild cats, the bobcat is so well camoflaged that it is rarley seen. Male bobcats may defend territories up to 40 square miles, although they may share common boundaries with those of other males. Females defend areas about 1/2 the size of the males and never share boundaries. 2 or 3 females may live within the territory of a single male, who will mate with them all. A male bobcat which fathers 3 littters in his territory will be responsible for the feeding of as many as 18 kittens.



Food and Hunting
Rabbits and hares make up 2/3 of the bobcat's diet. The remainder consists of squirrels and mice. Bobcats sometimes prey on deer, domestic sheep and goats. The bobcat creeps up on its prey until it is close enough to pounce on and kill the animal. The bobcat is very strong for its size. During a night-long hunt, a male bobcat may travel as far as 25 miles to find prey. Although the bobcat is a nocturnal hunter, it is also active at dawn and dusk. In the northern part of its range, it will even hunt by day in the winter if food is scarce.



Breeding
Mating takes place in the winter and the male mates with all the females that share his territory. The blind and helpless yound are born in early spring. At this time, the female drives the male away from the den, although he usally remains in the area. The kittens eyes open after a week, but they continue to suckle for 8 weeks. Once the kittens can eat solid food, the female allows the male to return to the den. Male bobcats are unusual among cat species because they bring food to both the mother and kittens. As the kittens grow, the whole family travels throughout the females territory, living in a number of different dens. When the kittens are 5 moths old, they learn to hunt from their mother. At this time, the male loses interest in the kittens and he returns to his own territory. The young stay with their mother for 6-9 months, or until the next breeding season. They then find territories of their own.



Size
Length- 25-45in. Tail, 8 in.

Height- 20-24 in.

Weight- Average, 13-24 lb., but as much as 40 lb.

Fun Facts

 * The bobcat gets its name from its stumpy tail


 * Bobcats are good swimmers, but they rarley go into the water, Still, on hot days, they sometimes sit in pools of water to keep cool.


 * The further north bobcats live, the bigger they grow! The largest are found in Canada.


 * Bobcat kittens can be reared to be tame, if boisterous, pets.