The bobcat, named for its short tail, occurs frequently in the southern half of North America, but is rarely found in the Midwestern United States. They are common in the mountains of the Carolinas, and also in the coastal plain as far north as the Great Dismal Swamp. Larger populations occur in the mountains and coastal plain than in the Piedmont region.

Bobcats are somewhat larger than domestic cats, ranging from twenty-four to almost forty inches in length, including the tail. They weigh between 16 and 24 pounds, depending on their sex, with males typically being heavier than females. Larger bobcats tend to occur in more open habitats, with smaller bobcats in forested habitat. Bobcats are always spotted to some extent, with some individuals patterned only on their undersides, and others with spots extending up their sides and onto the chest and back. Their mottled coloration varies from grayish to reddish-brown with small, darker spots and blotches. The tail is short and tipped with black on the upper surface. Long hairs on their faces resemble "sideburns," and their ears are usually dark with a white patch near the tip.

Habits and Habitats

Bobcats are solitary hunters that prey mostly on small mammals such as rabbits and rodents, although as generalists they will also eat birds and even large animals like the white-tail deer. Bobcats have binocular vision, which enables them to focus on swift running prey. In addition, their pupils expand to take in all available light, making them extremely effective night hunters. Bobcats may be active during all hours of the day and night; however, studies have consistently found dawn and dusk activity peaks. This pattern is based on the activity patterns of bobcats' prey species. Sharp claws that assist in climbing are retractable, allowing the bobcat to approach their prey more quietly. They can stalk to within a few feet of their intended prey and then make a short dash or pounce. Bobcats have compact skulls (fewer teeth and shortened jaws) coupled with long canine teeth. This provides them with tremendous biting pressure that can kill their prey in one bite.

Bobcats begin breeding at one year of age, usually in late winter or early spring. Two to four kittens are born after a gestation period of about sixty-two days. The young are furred, but blind at birth. In about ten days, their eyes will open and at four weeks they begin to explore the area around the den. After seven or eight weeks, they are weaned.

Bobcats occupy a variety of habitats where there are dense thickets, including coastal swamps and upland forests. Only large, intensively cultivated areas and metropolitan areas appear to be unsuitable habitat. Although they are often undetected, bobcats can live close to humans as long as there is suitable habitat. Areas with dense understory vegetation and high prey densities are most intensively selected by bobcats. They make their dens in hollow trees, small caves, and underneath rock ledges and outcroppings.

History

Bobcats were once found throughout the United States, but today their range is more limited. A major mortality factor appears to be the available food supply, although parasites and diseases can also affect the bobcat population. Bobcats have historically been less abundant in the east-central US, owing to high human population density and intensive, large scale agriculture. The Southeastern US and coastal California regions appear to support the greatest populations of bobcats; reduced bobcat density is associated with harsher environments.

It is legal to hunt and trap bobcats in North Carolina during set seasons. In 1988, 37 states and 5 Native American groups were authorized by the US government to export bobcat pelts. The bobcat is totally protected in 10 states, while hunting is regulated in 5 states and shooting of suspected livestock predators is permitted on a limited basis. The price for bobcat pelts has recently risen, and some wildlife biologists feel that increased trapping pressure could possibly threaten bobcat populations in some areas. In the past 20 years, the bobcat has been the most heavily harvested and traded member of the feline family.

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