Bobcat, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, 2013.

Bobcats are solitary and not often seen during the day. The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a North American mammal that appeared around 1.8 million years ago. Twelve subspecies are currently recognized. This adaptable predator inhabits wooded areas, semideserts, urban edges, forest edges and even swamplands. The bobcat is vital for controlling pest populations, preferring rabbits and hares. However, it will hunt anything from insects, chickens, geese, other birds and even small rodents to deer, if necessary. Local populations are vulnerable to extirpation by coyotes and domestic animals.

lynx rufus lynx bobcat mammal feline cat wildcat wildlife animal black canyon of the gunnison national park gunnison national park black canyon bobcats forest edges pest populations local populations north american million years twelve subspecies edges national parks gallery colorado nature

2013

National Parks Gallery

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