Bobcat | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Bobcat in Livermore, California, USA | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Carnivora |
Suborder: | Feliformia |
Family: | Felidae |
Subfamily: | Felinae |
Genus: | Lynx |
Species: | L. rufus
|
Binomial name | |
Lynx rufus (Schreber, 1777)
| |
![]() | |
Distribution of Bobcat, 2016[1] | |
Synonyms | |
|
The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a fierce cat that lives in forests, swamps, mountains, prairie, and deserts in many parts of North America. Bobcats are generally nocturnal (active at night), but can be seen at dawn and dusk. They spend the day in their den (a cave, hollow log or rock crevice). They are very good climbers and swimmers. Bobcats’ lifespan in the wild varies from 5 to 15 years. In captivity, they can live up to 18 years. Bobcats and lynxes are closely related.