Bobcat
Source: Reprinted
with permission of the WNC
Nature Center
Scientific Name: Lynx rufus
Family: Felidae (Cat Family)
Size: The bobcat is approximately 24 to 40 inches in length and weigh between 16 and 24 pounds. Males are larger than females.
Description: Bobcats have grey to orange brown colored fur with darker blothches, a short tail, and long legs. The face is wide with long whiskers.
Diet: Bobcats are carnivores most of the time. They eat small to medium sized mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Their diet may also consist of fruits, grass and other vegetation.
Habitat: Bobcats live in a variety of habitats. They commonly inhabit large areas with rocky outcroppings, chaparral, and forests. In GGNRA the bobcat's range may extend from along coastal scrub and grassland areas in the Marin Headlands, to the redwood forests of Muir Woods, and to the grassland, oak-woodland areas of Olema and Tennessee valleys. In the southern areas of GGNRA, the bobcat may inhabit Sweeny Ridge and the San Francisco watershed lands in San Mateo County.
Status: The bobcat is not a special status species.
Interesting Information: Bobcats have excellent night vision, which gives them a hunting advantage during hours of darkness.
References:
California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System. California Department of Fish and Game.
National Audubon Society. 1998. Field Guide to California. Peter Alden et al. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
