Facts on Wild Bobcats in Florida

The Florida wild bobcat, or Felidae rufus Floridanus, is immediately identifiable by its short tail (or bob) and the fringes of fur that outline the sides of its head. It weighs between 13 and 30 pounds and has a tail with white on its underside and black markings on its top side. The Florida bobcat has spots of white fur on all parts of its fur, which can range in color from reddish-brown to grey. The adult bobcat can grow to about 50 inches in length and stands 21 inches tall on average. With a maximum adult weight of 35 pounds, the bobcat is similar in size to a young Florida panther for which it is sometimes mistaken.

The wild bobcat is found in wildernesses everywhere from Canada to Central America, but the Florida bobcat is present even in the most densely populated areas. The female bobcat needs about 5 square miles of range while the male requires 15-30. The bobcat's range may consist in part of both wilderness and developed areas, and will include enough unpopulated land for a den and sufficient food supplies. The bobcat lives for a period of up to 14 years in the wild and can coexist with the panther, as the two do not share prey. The Florida bobcat lives in a den that consists of a hollow tree, cave, rock outcropping or other open shelter.

Bobcats are somewhat opportunistic in what they eat, which varies from small rodents and birds to carrion. Bobcats are mainly nocturnal hunters who may also prey during the daylight hours if necessary. During the summer the Florida, bobcats will eat mostly local fauna including squirrels, opossums, rabbits and raccoons. During the winter months, they shift attention to the many species of migrating birds that pass through Florida to escape the cold climates to the north.

The male Florida bobcat has a range that touches the range of several females with whom he mates. The Florida bobcat has a litter of one or two kittens after a gestation period of 50 to 60 days. The mating season runs from August to March when food is most plentiful, and babies are born in the early spring. A single male may sire several litters at one time.

Bobcats may have more than one home, with spare dens spread around the range in case of need. The Florida bobcat is seen in all types of habitats including suburban yards, and even city streets from time to time. Bobcats typically do not approach humans but will do so if fed or taught to associate people with access to food. Bobcats can swim and climb trees with ease, two factors that prevent them from falling prey to natural enemies besides human hunters. The Florida bobcat is not endangered.