Bobcat
Classification
Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora
Average Size
Length: 24-40 in. including tail
Weight (U.S.): 10-40 lbs. Weight (N.C.): 10-25 lbs.
with males about one third larger than females.
Food
Rabbits, many differentspecies of birds, cotton rats,white-tailed deer, rodents, gray squirrels, raccoons,
opossums and snakes. Bobcatswill also occasionally take farm animals.
Breeding
Sexually mature in 1-2 years.Mating usually takes placein late winter or early spring, but bobcats can mate any
time during the year.
Young
Called kittens. Gestation period about 62 days. Average litter size is 2-4 kittens. Weight at birth is from 10-
12 ounces. Bobcats normally produce one litter a year ,but two are possible. Kittens are furred but blind at birth.
Their eyes open in 3-10days, and by 4 weeks theybegin to explore the area around the den. They are
weaned by 7-8 weeks of age.
Life Expectancy
Average 3-4 years for males and 4-5 years for females. Few live longer than 10 years.1 7⁄8 in.