Facts about Bobcat
Bobcat activities are confined to well-defined territories, which vary in size depending on sex and the distribution of prey.
Bobcat tracks can be generally distinguished from feral or house cat tracks by their larger size: approximately 2 square inches (13 cmІ) versus 1Ѕ square inches (10 cmІ) (Brown 1986).
Kittens may be taken by several predators including owls, eagles, coyotes, foxes, as well as other adult male bobcats; when prey populations are not abundant, fewer kittens are likely to reach adulthood.
The sizes of bobcat home ranges vary significantly; a World Conservation Union (IUCN) summary of research suggests ranges anywhere from 0.02 to 126 square miles (0.6 to 326 kmІ) (Nowell and Jackson 1996).
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, bobcats killed 11,100 sheep in 2004 in the United States, comprising 4.9 percent of all sheep predator deaths (NASS 2005).
The paws of the bobcat have one half of the surface area of the Canadian lynx.
The bobcat is an adaptable predator that inhabits wooded areas, as well as semi-desert, urban edge, and swampland environments.
Like all cats, the bobcat "directly registers," meaning its hind prints usually fall exactly on top of its fore prints.
The nose of the bobcat is pinkish-red, and it has a base color of gray or yellowish- or brownish-red on its face, sides, and back.
The bobcat can make great strides when running, often from 4 to 8 feet (1–3 meters) (Peterson and Murie 1998).
The subspecies division has been challenged, given a lack of clear geographic breaks in the bobcat range and the minor differences between subspecies (CITES 2004).
One study in the Everglades showed a large majority of kills (33 of 39) were fawns, but that prey up to eight times the bobcat's weight could be successfully taken (Labisky and Boulay 1998).
The average is estimated at one bobcat per every 5 sq mi (13 kmІ) or slightly less (Whitaker and Hamilton 1998).
Transient bobcats were found to have both a larger (roughly 22 square miles) and less well-defined home range.
Hybridization between the bobcat and the Canadian lynx may sometimes occur (Mills 2006).
Like most cats, the bobcat is territorial and largely solitary, although there is some overlap in home ranges.
The bobcat prey base overlaps with that of other mid-sized predators of a similar ecological niche.
The bobcat plays an important ecological role in control of its prey populations.
One study of 15 bobcats showed yearly survival rates for both sexes averaged 0.62 (62 percent), in line with other research suggesting rates of 0.56 to 0.67 (Fuller et al.
The bobcat is able to go for long periods without food, but will eat heavily when prey is abundant.
Bobcats in the desert regions of the southwest have the lightest colored coats, while those in the northern, forested regions are darkest.
The bobcat is an opportunistic predator that, unlike the more specialized Canadian lynx, will readily vary its prey selection (Nowell and Jackson 1996).
The bobcat ranges from southern Canada to northern Mexico, including most of the continental United States.
The bobcat basically hunts by stalking its prey and then ambushing it with a short chase or pounce.
Less commonly, the bobcat will feed on larger animals such as foxes, minks, skunks, small dogs, and house cats (Whitaker and Hamilton 1998).
The adult bobcat has few predators other than man, although it may be killed in interspecific conflict.
The 1970s and 1980s saw an unprecedented rise in price for bobcat fur causing further interest in hunting, but by the early 1990s prices had dropped significantly (Grenfell 1996).
Bobcat tracks show four toes without claw marks, due to their retractable claws.
The bobcat may harbor external parasites, mostly ticks and fleas, and will often carry the parasites of its prey, especially those of rabbits and squirrels.
After trapping the rabbit in a tree, the bobcat is persuaded to build a fire, only to have the embers scattered on its fur, leaving it singed with dark brown spots (Jaxzoo 2005).
At birth, a bobcat weighs about 0.6 to 0.75 pounds (280–340 g) and is about 10 inches (25 cm) in length.
The bobcat's population in Canada is limited due to both snow depth and the presence of the Canadian lynx.
Both the Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis) and the bobcat are found in North America, and are both in about the same size range, but they differ in body proportions and markings.
When these prey species exist together, as in New England, they are the primary food sources of the bobcat.
The bobcat's preference is for mammals about 1.5 to 12.5 pounds (0.7 to 5.7 kg).
During lean periods, the bobcat will often prey on larger animals that it can kill and return to feed on later.
Like most felines, the bobcat is largely solitary but ranges will often overlap.
The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is placed in the Lynx taxon in the cat family Felidae with the Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), and Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus).
Bobcats typically live to six or eight years of age, with a few reaching beyond ten.
The bobcat resembles other species of the Lynx genus but is on average the smallest of the four.
The bobcat breeds from winter into spring and has a gestation period of about two months.
The bobcat is similar in appearance to the Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis), which is found in northern North America.
Fish and Wildlife Service placed bobcat numbers between 700,000 and 1,500,000 in the U.S. in 1988, with increased range and population density suggesting even greater numbers in subsequent years.
One mite in particular, Lynxacarus morlani, has to date only been found on the bobcat.
Both the Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis) and the bobcat are found in North America, and are both in about the same size range, but they differ in body proportions and markings.
Multiple confirmed sightings of bobcats have been reported in New York's Southern Tier and in central New York (Tobin 2007).
The historical range of the bobcat was from southern Canada, throughout the United States, and as far south as the Mexican state of Oaxaca, and it still persists across much of this area.
Research in Maine has shown little evidence of competitive relationships between the bobcat and coyote or red fox; separation distances and territory overlap appeared random among simultaneously monitored animals (Major and Sherburne 1987).
Bobcats are well established in northcentral and northeastern counties in Pennsylvania and have been continually expanding their range (PGC 2006).
Cougars and gray wolves will kill adult bobcats, a behavior repeatedly observed in Yellowstone National Park (Akenson et al.
The Canadian lynx (also known as the Canada lynx and North American lynx) has hind legs that are longer than the front legs (FWS 2000), as with the bobcat.
The bobcat is muscular, and its hind legs are longer than its front legs, giving it a bobbing gait.
During courtship, the otherwise silent bobcat may let out loud screams, hisses, or other sounds (Nowak 1999).
Many wild animals - like the above bobcat - will appear to be tame when they are very young. But they are and will always be wild animals. And as they mature, most "tame" wild animals will begin to exhibit behaviors that are really inappropriate in house pets - viciously attacking unfamiliar humans, for example.
A habitat dense with vegetation and lots of prey is ideal. Bobcats are excellent hunters, stalking prey with stealth and patience, then capturing their meals with one great leap. Usually solitary and territorial animals, females never share territory with each other. Male territories, however, tend to overlap.
Many wild animals - like the above bobcat - will appear to be tame when they are very young. But they are and will always be wild animals. And as they mature, most "tame" wild animals will begin to exhibit behaviors that are really inappropriate in house pets - viciously attacking unfamiliar humans, for example.
A Bobcat skid steer loader with a capacity of 1,500 pounds costs approximately $15,000-$20,000. A 2,000 lb capacity Bobcat skid loader costs approximately $20,000-$30,000. A Bobcat skid steer with a 3,000+ pound capacity, fully equipped, could cost up to $40,000-$60,000 or more.
BOBCATS AND TRACTORS RENTALSProduct4 HourDailySKID STEER S130 BOBCAT LOADER$130.00$175.00SKID STEER S150 BOBCAT LOADER$130.00$175.00SKID STEER S550 BOBCAT LOADER$150.00$195.00SKID STEER T-450 LOADER TRACKED$190.00$250.0036 more rows
The company sells skid steer loaders, compact excavators, compact utility vehicles, compact tractors, and other small hydraulic equipment under the Bobcat brand name. It is one of the few major manufacturing companies operating in North Dakota.
Most bobcats are brown or brownish red with a white underbelly and short, black-tipped tail. The cat is named for its tail, which appears to be cut or “bobbed.” Fierce hunters, bobcats can kill prey much bigger than themselves, but usually eat rabbits, birds, mice, squirrels, and other smaller game.
Louis Keller, 87, of Edgeley, ND, died July 11. Keller and his brother, Cyril, invented the skid-steer loader, which in 1958 was bought by the Melroe Manufacturing Co., Gwinner, ND, which would later become the Bobcat Co.