The iconic Florida Bobcat, the native wild cat in Florida, named for its short, or “bobbed” tail, exists only in North America, and may look like a domestic cat, but it is definitely a wild animal. Generally living a solitary existence, it uses its eyesight and excellent hearing to hunt for its food.
Weighing between 13 and 35 pounds, the bobcat has white on the underside of its tail and black on top.
It also has white triangles on the back of its ears, likely so kittens can see their mothers in tall grass.
Bobcats grow to approximately 20” tall, and prey on a wide variety of animals including birds, rabbits, squirrels, and even carrion. It can swim and climb trees and lives for up to 14 years in the wild.
When born, baby bobcats are fully furred, but quite helpless. Although they start to venture out into the world at one month of age, they may stay with their mother for up to one year.
The Florida population is stable, even with development and roads. That said, it still needs wild places as habitat, and the Florida Wildlife Federation continues to advocate for the protection of these lands across the state.
Widely distributed throughout Florida in deep forest, swamps, and hammock land. Thick patches of saw palmetto and dense shrub thickets are important as den and resting sites.
In rural areas, bobcats can range five or six square miles and generally cover their territory in a slow, careful fashion. In urban to suburban areas, the range of territory usually decreases to 1 or 2 miles.
At the time of this cache placement, we have approximately two to three small families of Bobcats living in the Jupiter Ridge Natural Area. Enjoy.!
FTF goes to Rnrgrl, Froggy Girl and Zeke The Peak
BYOP and bring or put on Mosquito Rellent!