Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

Reaching lengths to about 36 with a tail about 5" long and weight to about 33 Ibs., bobcat resemble very large, short-tailed housecats. Bobcats are tawny to rusty with black spots, espcially on their light undersides.

Reproduction

Bobcat may breed at any time of the year, but spring matings are most common. A litter of 2 to 4 young is born about 50 days later.

Bobcat dens are usually in rock crevices, hollow logs, or dense windfalls.

Habitat

In eastern North America bobcat are usually found in heavily forested areas or in dense woodland swamps.

Habits

Bobcat are primarily nocturnal, solitary predators. Small mammals, birds, and occasional larger animals like beaver or deer are hunted by stalking. Rodents and rabbits are their most frequent prey. Large prey animals and fresh carrion are usually covered between feeding periods.

Wandering widely within a moderately large home area, bobcat visit traditional trails around rocky ledges, stream banks, beaver ponds, or bogs. They also follow old logging roads and deer trails.

Trapping Tactics

Dirt-hole sets, cubby sets, and leaning pole sets will take bobcat. Most trappers prefer size 2 and 3 traps (with a jaw spread of 6 inches or less) for bobcat.

Baits and Lures

Lures are generally much more effective than are baits for bobcat. Fish oil, bobcat anal glands or urine, oil of catnip, skunk essence, and beaver castor are all used as bobcat lure ingredients. Several commercial lures and baits are available.