Bobcat

 
 

Although only a medium-sized cat, bobcats are one of the largest mammals in Kentucky (23"-50" long, 10-40lb).  They have a short, broad face, set off by a short ruff of fur on the sides of the face extending from the ear down to the lower jaw.  They have prominent, pointed ears, sometimes with tufts; long legs, and a short tail ("bobbed").  They upperparts and sides are yellowish to reddish brown, streaked and spotted with black.  The backs of the ears are black, and the underparts are white with black spots.  Bobcats are found throughout much of the U.S. and Mexico, except for parts of the upper central U.S., where it has been extirpated.  They prefer heavy forest with lots of underbrush.  They choose a fresh rest shelter each day, such as a thicket, hollow tree, or cliff recess.  Similar spots are used for dens during breeding season.  Their home range is 5-18square miles.  They hunt during all parts of the day, but mainly during sunrise and sunset.  They feed primarily on rabbits, mice, squirrels, deer (some carrion, some small or sickly animals), and birds such as turkeys.