bobcat Felis rufus
Order Carnivore flesh-eating mammals of great diversity in habitat and appearance
Suborder Pinnipedia– mostly marine and Suborder Fissipedia– mostly land-living
Suborder Fissipedia
- long pointed canine teeth
- 3 incisors on both sides of both jaws
- a divided foot with 4 toes
Family Felidae Cats (have sharp, flesh-cutting cheek teeth, ours all have retractable claws)
Food: opportunistic, feeding on small mammals, insects, reptiles, birds, & carrion. Seldom seen; hunt using sight & sound. Bobcats avoid open areas & stay close to cover.
Habitat: wide-ranging from sea level to above timberline in Pacific NW. Rock ledges, cliffs, & outcroppings used for shelter, resting, & rearing young.
Description:
- 3 inch, short bobbed tail
- Long ears, with black tufts at end
- Spotted all over
Size: 3 feet long; 20-30 pounds. Males slightly larger than females
