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Bobcat
(lynx rufus floridanus)
By Michael Wisenbaker
Illustration by Lizabeth West
Twelve or so subspecies of bobcat, also called wildcats, inhabit a wide
variety of habitats from southern Canada into Mexico. These solitary,
territorial mammals range throughout Florida. Lynx is the name given to
several related members of the cat family. Rufus refers to the reddish tint
of its coat, and floridanus denotes the southeastern variant of this
secretive creature.
Bobcats range in length from 25 to 30 inches, not counting their stubby
5inch tails. These cats average 15-25 pounds in weight, with males being
slightly larger. The felines bear retractable claws and a small amount of
fur between their paw pads. They sport 28 teeth, including two pairs of
sharp cutting teeth. The cats have two color phases: a tawnygray phase in
winter and a reddishbrown one in summer. They also have tufts of hair along
their ears that aid them in hearing. Their hind legs are especially adapted
for springing into quick bursts of speed.
Their reproduction depends on the quantity and quality of prey. Rabbits and
rats represent two of their favorite foods, although they often eat
grounddwelling birds in the winter. Mating of the cats in Florida usually
occurs between August and March. A litter of two to three kittens is usually
produced about 60 days after a successful coupling. Once the kittens' eyes
open, they appear deep blue but turn to golden yellow as they age. At first,
their mother brings dead animals to the den, but later she brings them live
ones so that they can learn to hunt.
The adaptability of these cats allows them to exploit a wide variety of
habitats throughout North America. Although bobcats are near the top of the
food chain, coyotes, panthers and other carnivores may eat them. Humans
exact the heaviest toll on bobcats by way of habitat loss, trapping and
hunting. Bobcats most often hunt around dusk or dawn, corresponding to when
their prey are most active.
Bobcats maintain and defend their ranges with the use of territorial
markers. These include urine, feces, scrapes and tree scratches along the
perimeter and interior of their ranges. These markers are usually placed in
conspicuous places. In Florida, these cats seem to prefer pine flatwoods for
dens where they can remain hidden and protected from the elements. On the
other hand, open grassy edges between flatwoods and hardwood swamps offer
places for bobcats to stalk prey emerging from two separate ecotones.
The best time to see a bobcat is around twilight. You're much more likely to
observe their scrapes, scats or footprints than the wildcats themselves.
Michael Wisenbaker is a freelance writer and photographer and frequent
contributor to Florida Wildlife.
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