On the entire North American continent, few predators are as versatile as the bobcat. Able to hunt in almost every landscape, at any time of day or night, and to bring down prey of any size, wherever they may be hiding, these are one of the world’s most adaptable cats. Not to be confused with their larger cousins, the lynx, these smaller cats pack an enormous punch. Known also as the red lynx it ranges from southern Canada to Mexico, inhabiting diverse landscapes such as woodlands, deserts, urban edges, and even swampland. There are two subspecies of bobcat: one east of the Great Plains and the other west of the Great Plains. It’s the smallest of the lynx genus, and grows to about twice the size of a domestic housecat – an average of around 33 inches in length and 21 pounds in weight.

Throughout North America, bobcats are very important to the health of the ecosystem. Their versatility allows them to keep several populations in check at once, and their ranges are divided neatly into territories to be respected by their peers. They prey on a variety of animals depending on their location, such as rabbits, hares, rodents, deer, fish and even insects. They are able to survive without food for long periods, and are capable of preying on much larger animals if necessary, such as sheep and livestock. Incredibly, a photographer even caught a bobcat dragging a shark from the ocean in Florida in 2014. (**NOTE: Have some fun and Google about bobcats some incredible stories and photos!!**)



While they have several competitors, they have almost no equals and despite being small, they are particularly fierce. They’re generally quiet, but can make mythical noises and while they’re still hunted, their adaptability means they will still be going strong.

NOTE: Bobcats use to be found throughout New Jersey however loss of habitat and hunting had made them extinct. NJ Fish & Game re-introduced the bobcat back into NJ by capturing about 48 bobcats in Maine and setting them free in northern NJ. Bobcats are an endangered species in New Jersey. There is no open season on the species for trapping or hunting.


BOBCAT FACTS OVERVIEW

Habitat: Diverse: woodland, desert, urban and swamp

Location: USA, Canada, Mexico

Lifespan: 10 years in the wild, 32 years in captivity

Size: 125 cm (49 inches) long

Weight: Up to around 20 kg (44 lb)

Color: Grayish-brown, black streaks

Diet: Insects, reptiles, fowl, rodents, rabbits, deer

Predators: Sometimes coyotes, wolves, large raptors, humans

Top Speed: 48 kph (30 mph)

No. of Species: 1

Conservation Status: Least Concern



STORY BEHIND PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Wednesday, August 30th 2023 11:56AM – I am driving down Youngs Island Road, Allamuchy, returning home, when I notice this large tan object in the sod field. I am thinking it is one of the barn cats, but, rather large, and then I spot the stubby tail and the white spots behind the ears – A BOBCAT!! Began taking my photos and videos, I thought for sure he would be making a bee-line to the woods line, BUT, he turned around and started patrolling back down the sod field. His actions created the following scenario, he is walking slowly and deliberately down the field, and I am periodically backing down the road to be in a position to continue to take my photos. My last video is a little messed up, however I include same since it shows he caught something!!



MODUS OPERANDI

Took several photos and some videos. It is unusual to get as much visual time as I did with a bobcat. The sod field was an ideal location giving the viewer a nice clear picture of this big bobcats actions as he patrols along the drainage ditch in the field. He eventually did spot prey and jumped into the ditch to make a kill. The two photos and video I took after the kill did not come out clear, but they do show he has something in his mouth. Please go to the link following, which takes you to my Flickr site where you will see all this cats actions while on the sod field.

Please go to my Flickr site for photos and videos of this sighting – https://www.flickr.com/photos/charliefineran/albums/72177720310847536

ENJOY!! What a true beauty AND what a perfect setting to observe a bobcat in the wild.

Enjoy Your Open Space

Charlie Fineran

Director Open Space

Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission – Chairman

Allamuchy Historical Society – President