Adult bobcats weigh anywhere from 10-20 pounds, with the males being somewhat larger than the females. Although solitary by nature, a male cat's territory may overlap that of several females. During mating season males and females are together for brief encounters only. After a gestation period of two months, the female will generally give birth to 3 or 4 kittens in early spring. These kittens will stay with the mother for their first year of life, learning the skills necessary for survival. After this time, the yearlings will leave mother to establish territories of their own. Young kittens usually do not stray too far from the den. Those that do often fall prey to other hungry predators.

Bobcat kittens in enclosure

Often bobcats are forced to live in urbanized areas, as there is so little open space remaining in San Diego County. As we encroach upon the bobcat's territory, we will occasionally have encounters with them. Most of these encounters will be brief, with the shy, elusive bobcat doing everything in its power to escape its worst predator, man. Rare opportunities are those in which one can observe a bobcat in its natural habitat, as they rarely allow themselves to be seen by humans. It is estimated that only 50% of all wildlife survive their first year of life and that bobcats and other pure predators suffer even greater odds.

With so many initial strikes against them, we should do all we can to help clear a path for these magnificent cats to thrive. However, there are individuals who would just as soon see the bobcat wiped out. Usually these people have not taken responsible measures to keep the bobcat from becoming a menace to either their livestock or their pets and have developed a grudge against these wild cats. In these situations, the bobcat is not to blame, for it is only doing what it does naturally—hunt. The real culprit is the person who does not properly protect his property.

Problem encounters can usually be avoided by either keeping pets indoors at night, since bobcats are primarily nocturnal, or making sure outdoor animal enclosures are strong and secure. Bobcats, like any other animal, will seek the prey of least resistance. Not given a culinary choice, they will eat their natural diet of rodents, rabbits and other small delicacies. Bobcats are a reminder of the wild nature of our continent. Though fewer in numbers than past history suggests, it is not too late to give these cats the respect they deserve and recognize the beauty in the beast.