Bobcats can be found in many parts of southern Canada, and throughout most of the United States except for parts of the midwest. They are also located in northern Mexico.

Bobcats have an ability to surive in a variety of habitats. Bobcats can be found in mountainous regions, woodlands, deserts, swamps, wetlands and coastal areas.

Just as bobcats must be able to survive in a variety of habitats, they must be able to eat a variety of different food. Bobcats will prey on rabbits, mice, squirrels and other small mammals. Bobcats may also sometimes eat larger animals.

Bobcats can be 2 - 3.5 feet in length and weigh 20 - 30 pounds. Bobcats have thick, fur coats that can be gray, red or brown, depending on where they live. Their coats are covered in spots that are sometimes more apparent on their legs than on their backs. On their faces are a few stripes. These markings and colors undoubtedly help to camoflauge bobcats in the brush, scrub or forest regions that they live in.

Bobcats have tufts of fur on the tips of their ears giving them a "pointed" look. They also have a short, bobbed tail which is where the name "Bobcat" comes from.

Unlike other members of the lynx genus, bobcats do not have fur on the bottom of their paws. This separation is likely due to the fact that other lynx generally live farther north than bobcats, and spend more time in the snow and cold weather.

Bobcats are nocturnal and rarely seen during the day. They are also solitary creatures except for mating periods. Like common housecats, bobcats will stalk or pounce on unsuspecting prey when hunting.

Reproduction

The gestation or pregnancy period of bobcats is approximately 2 months. Females will give birth to 2 - 4 kittens per litter.

Bobcats are the mascot of the professional basketball team, the Charlotte Bobcats.

The thirtieth president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, had a bobcat (among other animals) as a pet in the White House.