COMMON NAME(S): Bobcat (wildcat)

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Felis rufus

CLASSIFICATION: Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae

DESCRIPTION: Length: 2.5-3.5 feet
Height at the shoulder: 18-24 inches
Weight: 18-25 pounds
General: Bobcats are spotted or streaked with black and gray and range in color from brown to gray. Its short tail is black only on top of the tip.

RANGE: U.S. and into Mexico.

HABITAT: Almost every habitat in North America.

STATUS: General: Common.
               WA State: Common.

DIET: Consists of small mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates and occasionally prey as large as deer.

BEHAVIOR: Bobcats are solitary, nocturnal hunters. They communicate with a variety of vocalizations similar to those of domestic cats. During the breeding season, female bobcats are particularly vocal. Bobcats are excellent climbers and spend a great deal of time in trees.

LIFE SPAN: About 12 years.

REPRODUCTION: Breeding season extends from February through March. The gestation period is about eight weeks. Generally the female gives birth to two or three young. At birth, the newborn kittens weigh about one-half pound.

SOURCES: Fur Bearing Animals of North America, L. Lee Rue
World of the Bobcat, J. Van Wormer
Lives of Game Animals, Seton