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Bobcat (lynx rufus)

All about bobcats 

The bobcat (lynx rufus) is a medium-sized wild cat native to North America. Known for their short tails, tufted ears, and striking markings, bobcats are one of the most adaptable and resilient wild cat species in the U.S. They are found in most states, from dense forests to deserts, and even suburban areas, thriving in a wide range of habitats.

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Bobcats typically weigh between 15 and 35 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females. Their fur is generally a mix of brown or gray with black spots and stropes, offering excellent camouflage in their natural environments. Their signature feature is their short, "bobbed" tail, which typically measures four to seven inches long and has a black tip.

​​Bobcats are highly territorial animals, and their range can extend from a few square miles in densely populated areas to as much as 100 square miles in more remote regions. They are solitary creatures, with males and females coming together only for mating. They mark their territory with scent markings, urine, and claw marks on trees and rocks. 

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Bobcats are crepuscular (active at twilight), with most of their hunting and territorial activities taking place at night or during the early dawn and dusk hours. They are carnivorous predators with a varied diet, depending on their habitat and the prey available. Their primary food sources include small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians and even the occasional deer. 

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Threats to bobcats

While bobcats are not considered endangered, they do face several significant threats, most of which stem from human activities: Urban sprawl, deforestation, and agricultural expansion have led to the destruction and fragmentation of bobcat habitats. They also suffer from vehicle collisions, shooting or trapping by livestock ranchers, and climate change. 

In some areas, bobcats are still hunted for their fur, with trapping being a persistent threat. Despite legal protections in many states, poaching still occurs, especially in regions where the demand for pelts remains high. Legal hunting seasons exist in some areas, which can further impact local populations.

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Bobcats in captivity

The Big Cat Public Safety Act was signed into law in 2022. This landmark law will help keep large wild cat species like tigers and lions from being bred, exploited and abused for profit. However, it does not federally prohibit the private ownership of bobcats and it is still legal in several states. We don’t know how many bobcats are kept as “pets” (especially since many are kept secretly) but we know for sure they are not meant to be pets! Bobcats are wild animals and can be dangerous to handle, even when raised from a cub. They cannot be litter box trained, they require a diet of meat and whole prey, and they need space to roam and play. Orphaned bobcats usually cannot be released back into the wild as they have little fear of humans and have never learned to hunt. 

© 2025 Rustic Acres Wildcat Rescue

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