The bobcat is a medium-sized, reddish brown or grayish cat with small ear tufts and longer fur around the head forming a ruff. It has a short tail, long legs, and large feet.
Habitat & Range
Bobcats are found in diverse habitats but favor rocky canyons or outcrops when they are available. Otherwise they use thickets for cover and denning. They are highly adaptable, thriving despite habitat loss from human settlement. Bobcats are distributed throughout Texas.
Life History
Bobcats are primarily nocturnal but frequently leave cover and begin hunting long before sundown. In hilly terrain, their presence is detectable by droppings left on prominent rocks. Males create scrapes (small piles with urine marking) along travel routes. They are expert tree climbers, seeking refuge in trees when available. Their diet consists mainly of small mammals and birds: wood rats, ground squirrels, mice, and rabbits. Deer found in their stomachs is mostly carrion, though they occasionally kill deer. Bobcats also prey on domestic sheep, goats, and poultry, but the damage done is rarely great. Breeding season starts in February with a gestation of approximately 60 days. Litter size ranges from 2 to 7 young, with an average of 3. Kittens are well-furred and spotted at birth; eyes open at about 9 days. They are weaned at roughly 2 months and stay with the mother until early fall, then begin fending for themselves.
Status, Trends & Threats
Bobcats are listed as a species of least concern. They have been able to thrive despite habitat pressures from human settlement and are distributed throughout Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a bobcat look like?
Bobcats are medium-sized cats with reddish brown or grayish fur, small ear tufts, longer fur around the head forming a ruff, a short tail, long legs, and large feet.
What do bobcats eat?
Bobcats primarily eat small mammals and birds such as wood rats, ground squirrels, mice, and rabbits. They occasionally eat carrion or kill deer, and may prey on domestic sheep, goats, and poultry.
Where do bobcats live in Texas?
Bobcats are found throughout Texas. They favor rocky canyons or outcrops but are highly adaptable and thrive in diverse habitats including thickets and areas near human settlement.
