The bobcat is a North American cat with 12 recognized subspecies. Although it has been hunted extensively, for both fur and sport, the bobcat population persists in much of its original range.

Bobcats are smaller than the Canadian lynx, but resemble their relatives in that they feature gray to brown fur, a whiskered face and the signature black-tufted ears. The bobcat is roughly twice the size of a domestic cat, and features distinctive bars on the forelegs and a black-tipped stubby tail – hence, the name.

Bobcats are muscular, with strong back legs. They have sharp hearing and vision and a good sense of smell. They are excellent climbers, and have been known to swim but usually avoid water.

Claim to fame: The bobcat is crepuscular, meaning it is most active at twilight and at dawn. It stays on the move from three hours before sunset until about midnight, and then again from before dawn until about three hours after sunrise. Bobcats become more diurnal during fall and winter to take advantage of daytime prey.

What they eat: An adaptable predator, the bobcat prefers rabbits and hares, but will hunt prey ranging from insects to small rodents and pronghorn antelope. The menu of the day depends on the season, abundance of the catch and habitat.

Range: From southern Canada to northern Mexico, across the U.S.

Where to see them: Woodlands, semi-desert, urban edge and swamps.

Source: Wikipedia