Species Name: Lynx rufus
Taxonomy: Class: Mammalia, Order: Carnivora, Family: Felidae
Physical Description: A medium-sized cat that is light grey to light brown in color, often with dark ring-like spots or streaks on the coat. Bobcats are typically 2-3 feet long, 1-3 feet in height and range from 15-30 lbs. This cat has a very distinctive feature in its stubby, "bobbed" tail, and thick ruffs of fur on the cheeks that form the cat equivalent of a beard. Bobcats have retractable claws, and pointed ears that have black tufts of hair at the top. With a good view, it is difficult to mistake for any other species in Arizona, but bobcats are often secretive and hard to view. Most easily confused with domestic cats, but domestic cats typically have a long tail and are smaller.
Geographical Range: Most of North America, from southern regions of Canada to near Oaxaca, Mexico.
Habitat: These cats are generalists in habitat and diet. In Southern Arizona, one can encounter this animal in pretty much every vegetation type, from Sonoran desert scrub to mixed conifer forests in the Sky Islands, including urban environments.
Diet: Bobcats are carnivores, primarily feeding on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They can sometimes eat larger mammals, such as deer and javelina, although typically juvenile ones.
Behavior and Reproduction: Bobcats are generally solitary animals with mothers caring for their young until about 8 months of age, when offspring venture off on their own. On average, a litter size is about 2-3 but can range from 1-6 kittens. Their reproductive season tends to be from January to June, depending on the environment. In Arizona, it tends to be from February to April. They do not form lasting pair bonds. Bobcats are active year round, and are most active during dawn and dusk. They are ambush predators, relying on camouflage and short, quick bursts of speed. When encountering people, bobcats will typically hide or run away.
Lifespan: Under optimal conditions, the average lifespan of bobcats is about 7 years.
Conservation Threats: Human encounters, loss of prey, habitat loss, pest control (rodenticides)
Species of Greatest Conservation Need status in AZ: Bobcats are not currently listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Arizona.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species status: Least Concern.
Backyard Conservation: People can help conserve bobcats by avoiding the use of rodenticides to control rodent pests, and creating wildlife friendly yards or corridors so bobcats have urban travel routes. If you have pets or livestock (particularly cats, small dogs, or chickens), taking appropriate preventative measures (e.g., supervising outdoor time for pets, sturdy fencing for chickens) will reduce human-bobcat conflict.
Fun Facts: The bobcat is the most common wildcat species in North America. Their vocalizations can be heard at great distances, and some sound like screams.
References:
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Accessed 17 February 2025). Animal Fact Sheet Bobcat, Retrieved from desertmuseum.org.
Audubon Society (Published 2000). Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Animals Lynx rufus.
Felidae Conservation Fund (Accessed 17 February 2025). Threats to Bobcat, Retrieved from felidaefund.org.
Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management (Accessed 17 February 2025) Bobcat Biology, Retrieved from icwdm.org.
Mammal Diversity Database (Accessed 17 February 2025). Lynx rufus, Retrieved from mammaldiversity.org.
The Nature Conservancy (Accessed 17 February 2025). Bobcat Best Facts, Retrieved from nature.org.
Map: coming soon!