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The bobcat is a species that is native to Ohio, and one of seven feral cat species found in North America. Domestic cats belong to the same family, Felidae, as the bobcat.
Bobcats are very rarely seen in Ohio as they were extirpated from the state in 1850. Prior to settlement, they were common throughout Ohio. This cat has been sighted occasionally since 1850 and may be on the verge of returning "home" to Ohio; between 1970 and 2009 there have been 359 verified reports of bobcats in the state, 92 of these reports occurred in 2009.
Bobcat track
(Click track to enlarge)
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Bobcat
Lynx rufus
At-a-Glance
• Mating: Polygamous
• Peak of Breeding Activity: December through May
• Gestation: 63 days
• Young Are Born: Most litters are produced between early February and late July. Kittens are helpless and totally dependent on the female.
• Litter Size: Litters range from 1 to 6 kittens. Average is 2+
• Number of Litters per Year: Typically 1. A second litter may be produced if the first litter is lost.
• Migration Patterns: Non-migratory
• Activity Periods: Bobcats are crepuscular; most movement occurs during the late afternoon and early evening hours and for a few hours at sunrise.
• Typical Foods: Bobcats are carnivores and will consume a wide variety of insects, reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, and mammals. Rabbits and, in northern latitudes, white-tailed deer are important components of the bobcat's diet.
• Ohio Status: Threatened
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Description
The bobcat has short, dense, soft fur. Their coat color varies to include light gray, yellowish brown, buff, brown, and reddish brown on the upper parts of the body. The fur on the middle of the back is frequently darker than that on the sides. Under parts and the inside of the legs are generally whitish colors with dark spots or bars. The back of the bobcat's ears are black with white spots. The top of the tip of the ears are black; on the lynx, a cousin of the bobcat, the entire tip of the ear is black. The bobcat's tail is also black.
Habitat and Habits
Generally, the bobcat is a solitary animal, territorial and elusive by nature. Adult females have an extremely low tolerance for other adult females in their home range. The males of this species are more tolerant of another male within the home range.
Bobcats aren't as aggressive hunters as might be expected; they generally lie in wait for their prey, pouncing when an animal comes near. Prey pursuit rarely extends more than 60 feet. Rabbits and rodents are the bobcat's principal food, but deer are also important, especially in the northern portions of the bobcat's range.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Breeding may occur at anytime throughout the year; mostly it occurs from December through May. When available, the female will use an area of rock outcroppings as a natal den. The young are born helpless and are dependent on the mother. At birth, the bobcat is completely furred with its eyes closed. Young bobcats' eyes will open in 3 to 11 days, 10 days is typical. The young are fully weaned at eight weeks and they will disperse and begin life on their own in the fall and late winter.
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