Quick answer
Bobcats are versatile medium-sized cats named for their short 'bobbed' tail, found from southern Canada to Mexico in forests, deserts, and swamps. They weigh 6–14 kg (13–30 lb), hunt rabbits and rodents, and increasingly appear on trail cameras in suburban greenbelts.
Key takeaway
Bobcats are versatile medium-sized cats named for their short 'bobbed' tail, found from southern Canada to Mexico in forests, deserts, and swamps. They weigh 6–14 kg (13–30 lb), hunt rabbits and rodents, and increasingly appear on trail cameras in suburban greenbelts.
Bobcat overview
Bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a mammal listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 6–14 kg (13–30 lb); males larger than females; lifespan around 10–12 years in the wild (up to 15 in captivity).
Bobcat ecology
Diet: Carnivore — rabbits, hares, rodents, and birds. Habitat: Forests, deserts, swamps, and scrub across North America. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Bobcats and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild bobcats are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Bobcat profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Urban adaptability
Bobcats tolerate human-altered landscapes better than many wild cats, hunting in parks, golf courses, and greenbelts where rabbits and rodents are abundant. They are primarily crepuscular — active at dawn and dusk — and rest in thick cover or rocky dens by day.
Hunting and diet
Rabbits and hares typically dominate the diet, but bobcats also take rodents, birds, and occasionally deer fawns. They hunt by stalking and pouncing, with a success rate that makes them efficient predators despite their modest size.
Sources
Bobcat FAQs
What are key facts about bobcats?
Bobcats are versatile medium-sized cats named for their short 'bobbed' tail, found from southern Canada to Mexico in forests, deserts, and swamps. They weigh 6–14 kg (13–30 lb), hunt rabbits and rodents, and increasingly appear on trail cameras in suburban greenbelts.
What is the scientific name of the bobcat?
Lynx rufus — used in research and conservation listings for bobcats.
What do bobcats eat?
Bobcats eat rabbits, hares, rodents, and birds, with seasonal and regional variation in Forests, deserts, swamps, and scrub across North America.
Where do bobcats live?
They are associated with Forests, deserts, swamps, and scrub across North America. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of bobcats?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.