Bobcat

Bobcat

The Bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a North American wildcat. With twelve recognized subspecies, bobcats are common throughout southern Canada, continental United States, and northern Mexico. The Bobcat is an adaptable predator that inhabits  deciduous, coniferous, or mixed woodlands, but — unlike otherLynx — does not depend exclusively on the deep forest and ranges from swamps and desert lands to mountainous and agricultural areas; its spotted coat serving as camouflage. The population of the Bobcat depends primarily on the population of its prey.Nonetheless, bobcats are often killed by larger predators such as coyotes. 

The Bobcat resembles other species of the Lynx genus but is on average the smallest of the four. Its coat is variable, though generally tan to grayish brown, with black streaks on the body and dark bars on the forelegs and tail. The ears are black-tipped and pointed, with short black tufts. There is generally an off-white color on the lips, chin, and underparts. Bobcats in the desert regions of the southwest have the lightest colored coats, while those in the northern, forested regions are darkest.