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Named for their short, "bobbed" tail, bobcats are the
most widely spread native cat species in North America.
They are found throughout Nebraska in a variety of
habitats, but are most common in areas where hunting and
escape cover is near, such as forests, wetlands and edge
habitat. They are not often seen, but fur harvest records
indicate their populations have remained at a high level since
greatly expanding during the late 1990s.
This elusive species is fairly small, ranging in length from
19 to 48 inches. They are amazing hunters, taking prey ranging
from rabbits to deer. In typical cat fashion, they stalk their
prey and pounce when ready, killing with a bite to the
neck or head.
Bobcats typically mate in early spring with young born in
mid-summer. The young remain with their mother for about
eight months until they disperse to find their own territory. Bobcats are solitary animals.
Several females may establish territories within a male's larger territory.
Bobcats are most vulnerable to predators when young. Adult bobcats are typically
capable of defending themselves or escaping most native predators. ■
Bobcat
A Mammal Brief
By Lindsay Rogers, Outdoor Education Specialist
Lynx rufus
10 NEBRASKAland • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2016
