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Female Bobcats typically give birth to a litter of 2-5 kittens and normally produce 1 litter each year.
photo: Don Cohen
Characteristics: Named for their short tails (about 5 inches in length), bobcats are small cats that inhabit various ecosystems throughout North America. Found in the mountains, piedmont and coastal wetlands, bobcats occupy a wide variety of habitats in North Carolina. Bobcats can reach a length of 40 inches and weigh up to 40 lbs.
Diet: Bobcats are carnivores that prey primarily on rabbits, however they are opportunistic eaters and change their diet depending on available prey. In addition to small mammals they occasionally prey upon sleeping deer and will eat carrion.
Reproduction: Bobcats are solitary cats and males have no parental involvement. Females typically give birth to a litter of 2-5 kittens and normally produce 1 litter each year.
Environmental Connections: Bobcats are affected by human encroachment and in regions where human population density is high, few bobcats are found. Bobcats were once thought to be a threat to livestock and game animals. While they not typically killed for these reasons now, bobcats continue to be hunted for their fur. Protecting bobcats means preserving the habitats in which they live. No ecosystem stands alone so it is important that we work to protect ecosystems on a global level.
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N.C. Zoo is a member institution of AZA and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr. Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. A part of the North Carolina Government portal.
The Zoo is closed Christmas day and during severe weather. Call our information line at: 1-800-488-0444.
