Animals

Solitary, except during breeding season. Nocturnal where hunted, but often abroad during day in protected areas. Territories are not defended but are vigorously marked (especially by females) with feces, urine, anal gland secretions, ground scrapes and "scratching post" scrapes. Females maintain exclusive ranges, but male ranges may overlap and include those of several females. Females den in a cave, hollow log or stump. Annual litter of 2 or 3 young. Most kittens are born small, blind, and helpless in April or May after a gestation period of 60-70 days. The mother defends them, keeping the father away until the kittens are weaned at about two months. The male may then reappear to help the female collect food. Litter disbands in about six to nine months. Life span in wild 12+ years, in captivity up to 30 years.
Expert climbers and swimmers. Excellent hunters, having keen eyesight, but short-winded and unable to sustain an extended chase. The decorative-looking hairs on the ear tips serve as antennae, increasing the animal's ability to hear the slightest sound. If these tufts are removed, hearing declines. Bobcats have prominent ear spots which play an important part in aggressive posturing, possibly serving as eye mimics to give an impression of a wide and formidable head.

Bibliography:
Leopold, A. Starker, Ralph Gutierrez and Michael Bronson, 1981.