The
bobcat (
Lynx rufus) is a North American
cat that appeared during the
Irvingtonian stage of around 1.8 million years ago (
AEO). Containing 12 recognized
subspecies, it ranges from southern
Canada to central
Mexico, including most of the
continental United States. The bobcat is an adaptable
predator that inhabits wooded areas, as well as semidesert, urban edge, forest edges, and swampland environments. It remains in some of its original range, but local populations are vulnerable to extirpation by
coyotes and domestic animals. The bobcat is vital for controlling
pest populations. With a gray to brown coat, whiskered face, and black-tufted ears, the bobcat resembles the other species of the mid-sized
Lynx genus. It is smaller on average than the
Canada lynx, with which it shares parts of its range, but is about twice as large as the
domestic cat. It has distinctive black bars on its forelegs and a black-tipped, stubby tail, from which it derives its name.