Bob the Bobcat Trivia Quiz

Answer: Longer legs

There was some debate whether to classify the bobcat as Lynx rufus or Felis rufus, but Lynx rufus won out. Although the cats resemble each other, there are differences. Their territories in North America overlap in places, but the lynx travels farther north than the bobcat and doesn't travel as far south as the bobcat.

The lynx has noticeably longer legs than the bobcat, particularly its rear legs which cause its back to arch. It also has larger paws than the bobcat, a shorter tail, longer ear tufts, and its coat is usually grey as opposed to the bobcats' brown spotted coat.

Answer: Twice as tall as an average domestic cat

Adult bobcats are bigger than the average domestic cat, even Maine coon cats (although not by much). Sources vary on the exact sizes, but an adult bobcat weighs between 11 to 30 lbs, with females weighing less than males. They stand a little less than two feet tall on average. Domestic cats average between six and ten lbs and have a height of less than a foot. Cougars are larger than bobcats, with an adult cougar weighing an average of 100 to 200 lbs and reaching a height of two to three feet.

Answer: Arctic regions

Bobcats are very adaptable and live in a variety of habitats including forests, swamps and deserts. They are found throughout the U.S. although most sources state that they aren't found in areas of the Midwest such as northern Illinois and Indiana and southern Michigan (although there have been sightings in those regions).

But while bobcats are found in southern Canada, they don't venture as far north as the arctic regions.

Answer: Rabbits and hares

Like most house cats, bobcats will eat rodents and birds. They're also able to kill prey much larger than their size, such as adult deer. Unfortunately, they'll also eat domestic pets and livestock, which makes them a nuisance in populated areas. But rabbits and hares are their main target. Their cousin the lynx has a particular preference for snowshoe hares.

Answer: Man

Although there have reportedly been attacks by coyotes and golden eagles on adult bobcats, those animals are more likely to target bobcat kittens, as are foxes and owls and other birds of prey. Additionally, adult bobcats in Mexico can also be targeted by jaguars.

But bobcats are hunted for their fur and for sport, making man one of their main predators. Since bobcats aren't considered a threatened species, they aren't protected from hunters and, yes, people do eat bobcat.

Answer: Male with a female cougar

It's highly unlikely that a male bobcat would be seen with a female cougar unless the bobcat was the cougar's snack. Males will usually only be seen with female bobcats during mating season or with a sibling for a brief period after leaving their mother. Mothers can be seen with kittens for several months.

Interestingly, in captivity, bobcats will sometimes accept company. For many years, the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale, AZ, had a pair of bobcats, Mr. and Mrs. Foster, who lived together and helped raise orphaned bobcat kittens.

Answer: Two to four kittens

Litter sizes range from one to seven kittens (sources vary), but the average is two to four kittens per litter. They are weaned by about ten weeks but will stay with their mother for up to a year, learning how to hunt and be a bobcat.

Answer: Remove food and water sources

Habitat loss is one of the main factors affecting wildlife, but it hasn't been as much of a problem for bobcats; they've adapted to populated areas. They just need a shady place to hang out during the day and plenty of food and water when they go out hunting at night. Keeping pets outside isn't a solution; bobcats can jump 12 feet so they can jump over most fences and will attack pets. Loud noises might scare them away temporarily, but they'll be back. If they don't have a place to hide during the day and no food or water, they'll likely leave on their own. Relocating bobcats can be difficult; they are territorial animals and will likely end up in another bobcat's territory which could result in a fight to the death. Additionally, if food and water sources aren't removed, another bobcat will likely move in to take the place of the relocated bobcat.

Incidentally, while male territories may overlap, females do not share territories.

Answer: Rabies

As with most wildlife, a bobcat is more likely to see you than you see it. If humans are in the area, a bobcat will try to remain hidden. Besides aggressive behavior, other symptoms of rabies include foaming at the mouth, erratic or hyperactive behavior or the opposite - lethargic almost paralyzed behavior.

In general, if you come across a bobcat that doesn't appear to be afraid of you, avoid it. Contact the local wildlife control office to report it. If bitten by a bobcat, seek immediate medical attention and alert the local wildlife control office.

Answer: Unpredictable behavior

Many municipalities in North America ban the ownership of wild cats without permits, but bobcat ownership is allowed in some jurisdictions. While bobcat kittens look like and behave like larger versions of domestic cats, once puberty hits, their behavior changes.

They are ultimately wild cats, even if hand-raised, and their behavior can be unpredictable. They can do a lot of damage if they attack. Additionally, bobcats are known to urinate and defecate in their water sources, they can still spray and mark their territory even if spayed/neutered, and they have the same hunting instincts that domestic cats do, with a willingness to take on larger prey. If the owner decides he/she can't handle the animal, it can't be returned to the wild, so the animal is condemned to a life in a cage.