BODY LENGTH:

Bobcats get their name from their tail which is short and has a black tip, but only on the top. Bobcats have a wide range of color paterns and size, depending on where the cat is from. Individuals from the northern parts of the range are larger than ones from the southern parts of their range. Also individuals from semidesert or brushland habitats have a plainer pattern whereas ones from forested or mountainous areas have a much more pronounced pattern.

Bobcats are mainly nocturnal and terrestrial but they climb well. Prey is usually stalked with great stealth and patience, then seized after a swift leap.

Bobcats have established home ranges that are respected by other bobcats. They do not fight over territories as other cats may do. When studied, it was found that only after the resident bobcat died, does another bobcat move into it's territory permenantly. Territoriality is pronounced, especially in females. They use scent marking to stake out their territories.

They are solitary animals even in areas where ranges overlap, avoiding eachother whenever possible except for mating season. Normally silent animals, they do emit loud screams, hisses, and other sounds during courtship.

Bobcats occasionally prey on small domestic mammals and poultry so they have been hunted and trapped by people. They had been all but erraticated from the Ohio Valley, upper Mississippi Valley, and the southern Great Lakes Region but they are making a comeback due to protection in those areas.