Bobcat

North America’s ubiquitous wildcat

Despite being a medium-sized predator, bobcats are among the most successful and widely distributed wild cats in the Americas. Their range spans from southern Canada through nearly all of the lower 48 US states to central Mexico — including:

• Eastern hardwood forests
• Southwestern deserts
• Northern coniferous forests
• Coastal swamps and marshes
• Increasingly, suburban edges

The North American bobcat population is estimated at 2.5-3.5 million, making them remarkably abundant for a wild predator.

The “bobbed” tail

Bobcats are named for their distinctively short tail (typically 9-20 cm, vs 60+ cm for similar-sized cougars). The stubby tail gives the species its name and helps distinguish bobcats from the larger Canada lynx (which also has a short tail) and from young mountain lions.

The short tail likely reduces heat loss in colder climates and provides less to grab during fights — though the exact evolutionary reason is debated.

Suburban adaptation

Unlike many large predators, bobcats have adapted to suburban edges rather than retreating from human development. Modern bobcats commonly:

• Hunt in golf courses, parks, and natural areas adjacent to housing
• Use storm drains and culverts as travel corridors
• Take advantage of artificial water sources and rodent populations
• Occasionally raid backyard chicken coops

Many suburban residents are unaware bobcats live nearby — the cats are nocturnal and secretive, with most people never spotting one despite their abundance.

Distinguishing from similar species

Bobcats are sometimes confused with:

• Lynx — larger, longer legs, blacker tail tip, more snow-adapted
• Mountain lion (cougar) — much larger, long tail, plain coat
• Domestic cats — much smaller, longer tails

Key bobcat identification:

• Spotted/streaked coat (not plain)
• Short black-tipped tail (not long)
• Tufted ears (visible at close range)
• Size between domestic cat and large dog

A successful predator

Bobcats are ambush specialists — stalking close to prey, then making short explosive sprints. Their diet varies by region but typically includes:

• Rabbits and hares (60-80% of diet in many regions)
• Rodents (mice, voles, squirrels)
• Ground birds (quail, turkeys when smaller)
• Larger prey occasionally (deer fawns, sometimes adult deer in winter)

A bobcat can take prey larger than itself — particularly during winter when starving cats target weakened deer.

Population recovery

Bobcat populations declined dramatically in the early 1900s due to fur hunting and habitat loss. Modern protection and habitat recovery have led to dramatic population rebound — bobcats are now considered abundant or even increasing across most of their range.

The species was reintroduced to New Jersey in the 1970s after disappearing from the state, and has since spread across most of the Northeast. Other recovery successes include parts of the Midwest and the southern Appalachians.