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2016-09 zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien - Lynx rufus 03.jpg · Resized and converted to WebP for display. 0x010C · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field guide · species

Bobcat

Lynx rufus

The bobcat is a short-tailed North American felid that uses many different environments. Its adaptability should not obscure its need for cover, resting sites and reliable small-animal prey.

Public research profile · final editorial review pending.

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Tree of lifeScientific lineage

Advanced classification

Complete source lineage, including intermediate ranks. The standard view uses Life and the eight principal ranks.

cellular organisms cellular root
Eukaryota domain
Opisthokonta clade
Metazoa kingdom
Eumetazoa clade
Bilateria clade
Deuterostomia clade
Chordata phylum
Craniata subphylum
Vertebrata clade
Gnathostomata clade
Teleostomi clade
Euteleostomi clade
Sarcopterygii superclass
Dipnotetrapodomorpha clade
Tetrapoda clade
Amniota clade
Mammalia class
Theria clade
Eutheria clade
Boreoeutheria clade
Laurasiatheria superorder
Carnivora order
Feliformia suborder
Felidae family
Felinae subfamily
Lynx genus
Lynx rufus species

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Physical traits

A short tail, facial ruff and spotted or streaked coat contribute to identification.

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Habitat and range

Forests, scrub, mountains and semi-open habitats can be occupied where shelter and food are available.

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Diet and nutrition

Rabbits, rodents and other small vertebrates are common prey. Larger or unusual prey may be taken opportunistically.

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Behavior and activity

Bobcats generally live independently outside mating and mother–young associations. They stalk and pounce rather than pursuing prey over long distances.

Scientific source 1 ↗ · Scientific source 2 ↗