are bobcats nocturnal or diurnal
The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a North American cat that appeared during the Irvingtonian stage of around 1.8 million years ago (AEO). Containing 12 recognized subspecies, it ranges from southern Canada to central Mexico, including most of the contiguous United States. The bobcat is an adaptable predator that inhabits wooded areas, as well as semidesert, urban edge, forest edge, and swampland environments. Bats, the high-flying nocturnal mammals, take to the skies at night when competition for resources from diurnal birds is much lower. The cover of darkness also protects nocturnal mammals from predators; however, many predators (like big cats) are also nocturnal and ready to hunt in the dark. The nocturnal mammal’s eye has adapted to the dark. What diurnal mammals see as pitch-black darkness, nocturnal mammals see as dim light or shades of gray. Nocturnal mammals have proportionally larger eyes than mammals who are awake during the day; a tarsier’s eye is so large it can’t even move in its socket. Their pupils are also able to open more widely in low light than the diurnal mammal’s pupils. During fall and winter, this pattern is switched, and they become more diurnal since their prey are livelier during the day in the colder months. Let's examine more bobcat facts related to their behavior during reproduction and mating, when they travel, and how they hunt for food. slide 3 of 10. The bobcat’s main purpose of travel and sleep is dependent on the overall availability of its food. This behavior varies seasonably as a response to the activity of their prey. Bobcats are nocturnal animals and during most of the year, they travel at night, covering a range of two to seven miles along a habitual route. bob_cat_0025.jpg. Bobcats live in wooded areas. A yellowish- to reddish-brown cat streaked and spotted with black, with long hind legs, a short, broad face and a short (“bobbed”) tail. The backs of the prominent, pointed ears are black with a central light-colored spot; ear tufts, when present, are black. Both sexes look alike. All About that Bobcat. 1  The pupils of the bobcat’s eyes are elliptical in bright light but nearly round in dim light. 2  Bobcats are nocturnal and diurnal. There is little social interaction between individuals. 3  Within their ranges, they can travel between 3 and 7 miles nightly, inspecting many objects as they go. Despite the profound change from wilderness to developed land, bobcats have managed to remain Midwest residents. Several hundred years ago, bobcats lived throughout areas with sufficient habitat. In the Midwest, bobcats prefer heavy forests with thick underbrush, broken by rock outcroppings, bluffs, glades, clearings and timbered swamps. Quick Answer. Some examples of diurnal animals are humans, birds, pet dogs and cats, squirrels, elephants, gorillas, hawks, butterflies and honeybees. All of these animals are considered diurnal because they are mainly active during the day and asleep at night. Continue Reading. The bobcat is a medium sized member of the cat family. The bobcat has a short, broad face, framed with a fur ruff, very long legs, short bobbed tail, and coat colors range from yellowish to reddish brown, streaked and spotted with black. The ears are black, sporting a center white or grey spot. Adult weight ranges from 10 to 40 pounds. Their lifespan in the wild may average 10 to 12 years. Like your pet cat, bobcats are both diurnal and nocturnal, preferring to hunt around sunrise and sunset. Like other members of the cat family, bobcats probably nap a lot.
Bobcats are nocturnal and diurnal.