# Bobcat (*Lynx rufus*)

> 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.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Everywhere from southern Canada through the continental United States to Oaxaca in Mexico, in forest, desert, swamp, and suburban edge habitat.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/bobcat/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Carnivora
- **Family:** Felidae
- **Genus:** Lynx

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Lynx rufus |
| Diet | Carnivore — rabbits, hares, rodents, and birds |
| Habitat | Forests, deserts, swamps, and scrub across North America |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years in the wild (up to 15 in captivity) |
| Weight | 6–14 kg (13–30 lb); males larger than females |
| Top speed | Up to 48 km/h (30 mph) in short pursuit |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## 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.

## Territory and breeding

Solitary adults maintain territories marked with scent and scrapes. Breeding occurs in winter and spring; kittens are born in hidden dens and stay with the mother for several months before dispersing.

## Conservation

Bobcats are Least Concern with a stable or expanding population estimated at several million across North America. They remain trapped for fur in some states and face habitat loss in rapidly developing regions, but overall numbers are robust.

## Frequently asked questions

### Are bobcats dangerous to pets?

Bobcats may prey on small pets left outdoors at night in overlap areas, especially cats and small dogs. Keeping pets indoors at night and supervising small animals reduces risk.

### Bobcat vs lynx — what is the difference?

Bobcats are smaller, have shorter legs, shorter ear tufts, and more varied coat patterns. Canada lynx have larger paws and longer tufts adapted to deep snow.

### Are bobcats the same as lynxes?

Bobcats are in the genus Lynx alongside the Canada lynx, Eurasian lynx, and Iberian lynx. The bobcat is a distinct species, Lynx rufus.

### How can you tell if a bobcat is nearby?

Look for round tracks without claw marks, scrapes on logs, and scat containing fur and bone. Trail cameras often capture bobcats in suburban edge habitat.

### Do bobcats attack humans?

Attacks on people are extremely rare. Bobcats are shy and usually retreat. A rabid bobcat is the main exception wildlife officials warn about.

## Sources

- [IUCN Red List — Lynx rufus.](https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Lynx%20rufus&searchType=species)
- [Animal Diversity Web — Lynx rufus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lynx_rufus/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/bobcat/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.