Bobcat

Lynx rufus

When teaching her young to hunt, a mother Bobcat raises her short tail into a curl, showing the white underneath as a flag for her kittens to follow. Except during motherhood, bobcats are generally loners. They have to be. As carnivores at the top of the food chain, they need large, unbroken territories to find enough food. Because of this, bobcats and other wild cats are particularly affected by habitat loss and fragmentation. Desert Cottontail, Ground Squirrel, Dusky-footed Woodrat, and a lizard or bird make “lunch” for the Bobcat.

Fun Fact:
Bobcat tracks look like your cat's paw prints—except twice as large.

What’s for Lunch:
Rabbits, squirrels, lizard or birds

Where’s Home:
Throughout the reserve; den made in thick brush