Bobcat

Scientific Name:  Lynx rufus

Species Ambassador

Bob

Bob was born in 2002 and purchased as an illegal pet whose owners had him neutered and declawed.  He was put out in their backyard and neighbors eventually complained.  He was relinquished from the family and taken to the Chattanooga Zoo in Tennessee. The zoo was looking to transfer him to an educational facility where he would have his own cage, and so he came to Blandford in 2006.  Since he is declawed and depends on  humans to feed him, Bob would not be able to          survive in the wild.

Status of Bobcats in Michigan

Bobcats are relatively common in Michigan, but are not often seen since they are extremely elusive.

Vocals

In the wild, bobcats usually only vocalize during mating season with yowls and hisses. Blandford’s bobcat will make a barking meow call when he knows food is coming. He also purrs on occasion.

http://www.sound-effect.com/sounds1/animal/Bobcat

Habitat

Bobcats are adaptable creatures, they are found in woodlots, around land near rivers and streams, and prairie areas. They sleep in hidden areas such as thickets and hollow logs during the day.

Diet 

Meals usually consist of small mammals such as mice, rabbits, and meadow voles. Bobcats will also eat birds, snakes and occasionally will kill and consume sick or injured deer.

Role of Bobcats in Our Ecosystems

Bobcats help to keep small mammal populations in check.

Threats to Bobcats

-The main threat to Bobcats is humans.

How We Can Help Bobcats

-Report any harm or unlawful collection of Bobcats to the Michigan Natural Features Inventory       at 517-373-1552.

Interesting facts 

-Bobcats are adept climbers.  They will lounge in trees, lazily waiting for their next meal to             scurry beneath them. 

-Bobcats are not social felines.  The only time Bobcats interact with one another is during            mating season, otherwise they keep to themselves.