Bobcat

Bobcat is a species of cat (Lynx rufus) in the subfamily Feline (mammalian order Carnivora, family Felidae) that is closely related to the lynx.

Bobcat is also known as wildcat or bay lynx. It is distinguish from the similar Canada Lynx by its relatively small feet, ears tuftless or with very short tufts, and bobbed tail, white below.

Bobcats vary greatly in size (5-18 kg), males among larger than females. Like other wildlife in North America, they are symbolic of the spacious and natural beauty that most inhabitants of this continent rarely see or experience today.

The fur is pale brown to reddish with black spots. Bobcats are nocturnal and generally solitary.

Bobcats are found over an extensive geographic area from southern Canada, throughout most of the continental United States, and south to Oaxaca, Mexico.

They are active day and night and are among the most diurnal of the cats. The chief prey of bobcats is hares but other small mammals, birds and occasionally even deer are eaten. They are important for controlling rodent and rabbit populations.
Bobcat

European wildcat

European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) looks like a large domestic tabby cat, but with a broader head and darker fur. A long, thick coat, broad head and comparatively flat face give it the appearance of a large, powerful cat, much more robust than the domestic cat or the African wildcat.

Looks are deceiving, however, as European wildcats typically weigh 3 to 6 kilograms, about the same as African wildcats. The European wildcat is a compact animal with comparatively short legs and tail that usually exceeds half of its head and body length.

The African wildcat, formerly known as Felis libyca, would be the ancestor and it is now considered to belong to the same widely distributed species as the European wildcat (F. silvestris) and its Asian relatives (formerly F. ocreata).

The European wildcat is found in the north and east of Europe, also in the Scottish Highlands. It is a forest dweller and has a yellowish-grey fur with black markings.

Though European wildcats eat a variety of small prey, there are numerous reports indicating that these cats are primarily rodent catchers. They do, however, also feed on larger animals, such as hares, rabbits and young deer.
European wildcat