Bobcat

[Fischer_girl]

Originally Posted by swFL4now

Great photos! Those look a little smaller than the ones I have seen in my backyard here in Florida. I am curious though, maybe someone will know this, all the ones I have seen here have short little bobbed tails, not the long ones as seen in these photos. Are there different species of these beautiful creatures, I mean to say, some have short tails, some long?

There is only one species of Bobcat: Lynx rufus. However, we should not be surprised that many wild species have been known to breed with other species. However...I am wondering if what you are seeing is not a Bobcat, but infact a Lynx, (Lynx Canadensis)? The two cats can easily be confused... but Bobcats tail generally rangest from 5-7 inches (can be longer) but the Lynx's tail has a black tip and black rings on it. Lynx do have range throughout Florida... but if thats not what you're seeing... let me know and I will checkin into it and we will get you an answer. It is also important to keep in mind the cats photos I posted earlier are captive cats. They may appear smaller (although they're actually pretty fat!!) because they are diet restricted and cannot eat what, when and where they please.
PS-- where in SWFL? Rock on NAPLES!

[_yb]

Originally Posted by swFL4now

Are there different species of these beautiful creatures, I mean to say, some have short tails, some long?

The sub-species that I like the best here in NM the Lynx rufus baileyi. Really beautiful furs.
Lynx rufus floridanus in your area are know for there short tails.

[BlackShoe]

Lynx are only found in the northern states that border on Canada,with a few in Wyoming.The exception is Colorado,where efforts are being made to reintroduce them.There are 10 or 12 subspecies of the bobcat (Lynx Rufus,or Felis Rufus) but they are pretty much the same animal everwhere,differing only in coloration and markings,and size.The general rule is that the farther north,the larger the bobcat.In the Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest 30 pound toms are common.

[swFL4now]

Fisher_girl, I am located in North Port/Port Charlotte area, actually (no joke) live next to a development called bobcat trails. These cats had tails probably 5 inches, and I remember being surprised at how big the cats were, I always thought bobcats were smaller.

I have been fortunate to have seen our Florida panthers 3 times in the years I've lived here and that was really a treat! Big beautiful animals. Of course this was 15 or so years ago when this area was much less built out. Although we still have vast amounts of dense brush/wilderness/jungle whatever you would want to call it, I haven't seen one in probably 9 years or so now. I often wonder if the population of panthers has shrunk that rapidly or I was just really lucky to have seen them in the first place.

[Fischer_girl]

Originally Posted by swFL4now

Fisher_girl, I am located in North Port/Port Charlotte area, actually (no joke) live next to a development called bobcat trails. These cats had tails probably 5 inches, and I remember being surprised at how big the cats were, I always thought bobcats were smaller.

I have been fortunate to have seen our Florida panthers 3 times in the years I've lived here and that was really a treat! Big beautiful animals. Of course this was 15 or so years ago when this area was much less built out. Although we still have vast amounts of dense brush/wilderness/jungle whatever you would want to call it, I haven't seen one in probably 9 years or so now. I often wonder if the population of panthers has shrunk that rapidly or I was just really lucky to have seen them in the first place.

Well... Seeing as this is the "bobcat" thread and we are talking about Panthers I figure I can safely reply without being told to find a different thread because, afterall, Panthers are cats, too!
You have to be proud of your three spottings..I have a few friends in SWFL (actually working on the FL Panther NWR) who have lived there 10 years and not seen a cat but once! I never did get to see one! I think not only has their population shrunk but their habitats have been severely degraded.
ALSO! Just FYI- I spoke with a Naturalist out at work today and she said the cats you are seeing are probably a sub species, as there are a few. Also.she made a good point. Our cats here are used to climbing (and also seeing some cold winters) where your cats there do not climb as much and do not experience the real cold winters. Therefore, your cats do not need longer tails for balance and/or cold protecting. I felt like an idiot for not thinking of that myself, actually! Where have all those years of schooling gone?! Also, she told me of another woman who studies cats , visits large cat sanctuaries and is dying to be asked questions..next time I see her I intend on asking her viewpoint.
Also...ever visited the Conservancy of SW FL in Naples???

[berncohomes]

Poncho referred me to this post, one was seen this morning in Four Hills, which borders the base and could well be the one seen by his wife.

[_yb]

Originally Posted by berncohomes

Poncho referred me to this post, one was seen this morning in Four Hills, which borders the base and could well be the one seen by his wife.

There are so many bobcats in NM. Most people just don't see them.

[Santa Fe]

Originally Posted by _yb

There are so many bobcats in NM. Most people just don't see them.

All I ever see are paw-prints -- which are a lot bigger than a cat's. I am just as happy that the bobcats avoid humans.

[catman]

I've been to NM a bunch of times, and have never sen one, although I've always looked for them. Maybe next time. I think they are just about the most beautiful animal there is.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Great pics. Get 'em at our place once in a while (which is pretty good considering we're about 25 minutes from downtown San Francisco!).