The bobcat 

Bobcats (Lynx rufus), which are found exclusively North America, get their name from their stubby “bobbed” tails.  They have thin black lines on their face that extend to their cheek ruffs or “beards”.  The backsides of the ears have a large white spot.  This white spot is seen in all nocturnal wild felines.  The coats of bobcats are a brownish-orange during the summer and become grayer in the winter.  Bobcats have black stripes on their legs and black spots on their sides and underbellies. 

Methods of hunting
Bobcats are excellent climbers.  They spend quite a bit of their time hiding in tree limbs, waiting for an opportunity to pounce on unsuspecting prey.  They will also hide in thickets and any other place in which they are camouflaged.  Bobcats, like many of the larger predators, can fast for extended periods when food is not available, but will eat heavily when food is available.  Any uneaten food will be covered up with leaves and other debris until the bobcat returns to finish eating it.

Prey of the bobcat (such as the marsh rabbit) typically travel on established pathways.  Once a bobcat discovers the location of one of these pathways, it will lurk nearby and wait for the prey to come wandering up.  Bobcats visit hunting pathways regularly.  Other prey include mice, squirrels, woodchucks, opossums, raccoons, foxes, birds and reptiles.  Bobcats will also prey upon small or weakened white-tailed deer.

Social and reproductive aspects
Bobcats are solitary cats and only come together to mate.  If a female bobcat cannot find a place to establish a den in a rock formation or under a log, she will construct one in a brush pile.  The female will then insulate the den with leaves or other dry vegetation.

Bobcat kittens, which are born in the spring, are spotted and extremely well furred.  They are typically weaned at two months, but will begin exploring at one month of age.  The kittens are able to hunt on their own in the fall, but will remain with their mother until they are almost a year old. 

Signs of presence
Tree trunks are often used as scratching posts. The scat (feces) of bobcats is very similar to that of a dog.  Bobcat tracks, like most felids, do not show claw marks.  The tracks of an adult bobcat measure about 2 inches across.  Bobcats are elusive and are rarely seen by man.

Lessons and activities
Examine the tracks of 2 animals and explain what might have happened.

References
Special thanks to the National Audubon Society.