Bobcat

One of the four species of lynx, these wildcats are around twice the size of the average domestic cat and are fierce predators. Found throughout much of North America, they live in a diverse range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, swamps, deserts, and even roam into suburban areas. Although they are the most common wildcat in North America, these elusive, nocturnal animals are rarely seen by humans.

Bobcats can be identified by their short, black-tipped tail, which gives the species its name because it appears to be cut or “bobbed.” The tip of the tail is black all around, and the underside of a bobcat’s tail is white.

Bobcats live in warmer climates than their lynx cousins, so they have thinner coats and smaller paws without any of the 

Fun Facts About Bobcats

• Bobcats emit an eerie scream that can be heard for miles. 
• A bobcat's personal territory can span up to 30 square miles for males and five square miles for females. These territories are clearly marked by the bobcat's urine and/or feces.
• Bobcats have excellent vision and hearing and a well-developed sense of smell.
• Unlike the domesticated house cat, bobcats enjoy the water and are very good swimmers.
• As incredibly skilled climbers, bobcats easily maneuver around rocky terrain and climb tall trees when pursuing their prey.
• Bobcats are quiet hunters who pounce on their prey and kill it with one bite. These large cats are known to leap up to ten feet in the air.
• Bobcat tracks are easy to distinguish - roundish paw, four toes, and no claw markings.  

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Bobcat Sightings During the Day

Bobcats are found throughout Los Alamos County and have been spotted regularly in the downtown area. Although elusive and difficult to observe, it is not unusual for the bobcat’s habitat to include a densely populated urban area.

Abnormal Animal Behavior

In Los Alamos County, occasionally we see wildlife acting in a way that raises alarm. What does it mean when we say there is an animal not behaving normally, and what can we do to remain safe?

Feeding wildlife can do more harm than good

Did you know feeding wildlife can have negative impacts on an entire ecosystem?

Watch for wildlife on the roadways during winter months

As the temperature drops, the days are getting shorter, and more vehicles will be on the road at times when wildlife, including larger mammals, are most active: dusk and dawn.