Meet Lynx rufus - the Bobcat. Named for the short and stubby "bobbed" tail. It's the first time ever I've gotten a trail camera image of this elusive nocturnal/diurnal cat.
Smaller than a cougar or Canada lynx this cat has horizontal barring of its stiff fur on the upper legs, a white underside and as I mentioned (above) a stub of a tail. All of which can be seen in the video clip.
It is a carnivore and frequently ambushes its prey of small mammals. It's favorite meal happens to be cottontail rabbit.
This is mating season for the cat with males working a large territory seeking a female. Females are homebodies who make use of a den for raising kittens. Typically three are born in April or May with the youngsters remaining with mom until about seven months of age. The male does not play a role in rearing a litter.
Recently I noted a scratched tree a quarter mile distant from this trail camera location and simply shrugged-it-off as another deer rub. I believe I'll have to go back and locate it again for a closer examination as it might just be a scratching post for this animal.
This sort of made my week.
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