The bobcat has also been known as the bay lynx, catamount,
short-tailed wildcat, and just plain wildcat. It got its most
common name from its short tail, which appears to have been
bobbed. Bobcats are found throughout the United States. Swift
and well-camouflaged, bobcats have the ability to vanish quickly
into their surroundings. They are very good at adapting to their
surroundings and searching out resting places, dens, and
secluded areas. Several factors contributed to their decline.
Bobcats have been hunted and trapped for their pelts and killed
by farmers because they sometimes prey on farm animals. The loss
of timberland has also greatly reduced its living area. North
America’s smallest native member of the cat family, the bobcat
is somewhat larger than the domestic house cat. The male adult
ranges from 25 to 42 inches in length and stands 20 to 24 inches
tall. They weigh 15-35 pounds and can live 30 years. The stubby
tail is only about 8 inches long. The color of the fur is quite
variable, and is somew