Bobcat Florida

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The Florida Bobcat: A Wild and Elusive Predator

About the Bobcat

The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is one of two predatory big cats found in Florida and is the most abundant wildcat in the United States. Florida bobcats are about twice as big as a domestic cat and are easily recognized by their short, bobbed tails.

Habitat and Distribution

Florida bobcats are widely distributed throughout Florida, inhabiting deep forest swamps, hammock lands, and other areas with thick vegetation. They often utilize thick patches of saw palmetto and dense shrub thickets as den and resting sites.

Physical Characteristics

Bobcats typically weigh between 13 and 30 pounds and have a distinctive appearance. Their tails have black markings on the top and white underneath. Bobcats grow to approximately 20 inches tall and have a short, muscular build that aids them in pursuit of prey.

Diet and Behavior

Bobcats are opportunistic predators and prey on a wide variety of animals, including birds, rabbits, squirrels, and even carrion. They are also known to swim and climb trees, providing them with a versatile means of hunting. Bobcats typically live for up to 14 years in the wild.