Bobcats
Mysterious felines...
(Written by Dick Newell, IRC Volunteer Naturalist)

Bobcats are occasionally seen along the trails of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, in our county parks and in the more rural parts of the county where they live, breed and raise several offspring each year. Once the kittens get through their "terrible twos" - a period of their lives when they are still learning to hunt successfully and fend for themselves after leaving the care of their mother - they must also learn to avoid their greatest threat: humans, and in particular, automobiles.

Once a bobcat matures, it may claim a territory of several square miles, and may live for more than 10 years in the wild; a healthy female will actively breed throughout that time. Bobcats that claim territories near urban areas have demonstrated much less fear of humans over time and in some cases have been known to hunt in plain sight of and in close proximity to people.

They are obligate carnivores and will take any small game that does not present a threat to their safety such as rabbits, squirrels and other rodents and birds. One female bobcat was observed standing between her kittens and an approaching opossum, as if to teach them that an opossum was not something they should risk an encounter with. Young bobcats will stay close to their mother for most of their first years and have been observed participating in play with her just as domestic kittens do. Healthy bobcats are not considered a threat to humans or their domestic pets; however, should a domestic dog or cat get too close to a bobcat’s kittens or corner one, the bobcat will aggressively defend itself and its offspring by scratching.

Like other cats, bobcats enjoy napping, and when not hunting that is their most common activity. They will find a sunny spot to snooze in when the weather is cold and may seek shade under a tree or even a vehicle when it is too hot. During the recent rainstorm one bobcat was observed in a full gallop as it sought the cover and protection of a nearby bridge over-crossing. Naturalists leading hikes along the trails will occasionally look back over their shoulder and see a bobcat come out of hiding and walk in the opposite direction just as the trail guests have passed its hiding spot. Beautiful and fascinating, bobcats play a special and important role in the thriving animal world on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

In addition to volunteering for IRC, Dick Newell teaches classes on animal behavior and tracking in Orange County. You can read more of his articles at www.octrackers.com.