Difference Between Bobcat and Mountain Lion

Difference Between Bobcat and Mountain Lion

Introduction:

In a world full of animals, there are several species of cats. Only a few of them are known to us. Due to the lack of knowledge, people call every wildcat a lion, tiger, or cheetah. However, there are certain names for every cat depending upon the characteristics of a particular cat that are unknown to people.

In this article, we have brought two wildcats that are infamous for most of the audience. They are named as bobcat and mountain lion. These names won’t be new for the people who watch National Geographic regularly. The reader will be seeing different traits and characteristics of these animals. Along with this, the difference between bobcat and mountain lion will also be observed.

What is Bobcat?

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The wildcats are divided into two categories one is a big cat and the other is a small cat. Bobcat is one of a kind of small cat. It is found in semi-deserts and swamps. The habitat of bobcats can also be observed in forests. The scientists have given a scientific name to this wildcat which is Lynx rufus. The species of Bobcat is subdivided into 12 other species as well.

Physical characteristics of Bobcat:

The bobcat is 11 to 12 in length. It has an average weight of 11 to 35 lbs. the size of these cats is twice the size of house cats. Bobcat possesses a grey tone color. The color of its coat could look like brown sometimes. It depends upon the area where its habitat is.

The face of this cat is different from other cats as it is whiskered in shape. The face looks big because of the extended hair on the face. The eyes of this wildcat are yellow. It has black colored strips on its front two legs. The tail of the bobcat is fluffy. Bobcats have a good sense of smell as compared to other carnivore wildcats. The hearing capability of these animals is also extraordinary.

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Other traits of Bobcats:

Bobcats hunt at night. They are known as nocturnal cats. These cats have a specific breeding time that starts in winter and ends in the spring season. During the development period, female bobcats opt for covered dens. Like any other wildcats, these cats are also carnivores. The strength of these cats is not compromised by their size.

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Bobcats can hunt deer easily which is of course bigger than the size of an average bobcat. The biggest threat to this species of the wildcat is coyotes. The average life of this wild animal is about 10 to 12 years.

What is Mountain Lion?

A mountain lion is a famous cat in the books of Guinness world record. The reason for this fame is that it has the most names in the animal kingdom. People often know mountain lions as cougar, catamount, and panther. This wildcat is commonly known as a puma. Although, the scientific name of the mountain lion is Puma Concolor.

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It has been recorded that mountain lion has 32 different species that is the subdivision of mountain lion. The localities that are semi-deserts, wooden, rocky, or suburban are considered as the habitats of these animals.

Physical characteristics of Mountain Lion:

The height of a mountain cat is 6 feet in total. The color of its coat is either brownish-orange or in some cases, it is yellowish-brown. The color of the coat varies from species to species and the area of their habitat. The tail of the mountain lion is long and broad whereas its tip is dark brown. The shape of its tail is cylindrical. It has a round head and straight ears. The size of the mountain lion fits in the category of big cats.

 

The strength and ability it has also check all boxes of the big cat category but it is considered as a small cat. It is due to the fact, it cannot roar like other big wildcats. If we compare the size of this wildcat then it is considered the second largest cat in America. The first largest cat is a jaguar.

Other traits of Mountain Lions:

Mountain lions live in a solitary environment. The concept of a particular territory is very important in mountain lions. Like bobcats, these wild animals also enjoy hunting at night. There is no specific breeding period for these animals. However, it takes 3 months for the young cubs to grow completely.

It is observed that female mountain lions take a huge part in protecting and upbringing their little ones. As we all know, mountain lions are carnivorous. The style of their hunting is very unique. First, they trap their prey and finally jump on it with full strength to satisfy themselves.

In hunting, mountain lions use their craftiness. They can jump above 20 feet. The diet of these carnivores consists of deer, jackrabbit, coyote, porcupine, raccoon, and squirrels. An average mountain lion lives for 8 to 13 years.

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DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOBCAT AND MOUNTAIN LION

Bobcat and Mountain Lion are different from each other in all ways. To further differentiate between these cats, we have explained some facts below.

Attributes

bobcat

Mountain Lion

Another name

The other names for bobcat are red lynx and wildcat.

The other names for mountain lions are puma, panther, and cougars.

Found in

It is commonly found in North America.

It is commonly found in Mexico, South America, Central America, and North America.

Location of habitat

It creates its habitat in Mountainous Forests, Swamp, Desert

It creates its habitat in Forest And Mountainous Regions.

Size

Its size is 25 to 40 inches.

It has an average height of 4 to 6 ft.

Speed

It is recorded that it has a speed of 34 mph.

It is recorded that it has a speed of 30 mph.

Prey on

It hunts deer, mice, and rabbits.

It hunts deer, coyotes, porcupines, raccoons, jackrabbits, and squirrels.

Species that hunt it

Cougar, Wolves, and Coyotes prey on these cats.

Human, Grizzly Bear like to hunt it.

Behavior

It lives in solitary.

This species lives in specific territories.

Natural life

It lives for 12 to 15 years.

It lives for 8 to 13 years.

Growth period

Its kitten grows in 2months and 10 days.

Its cub grows in 3 months.

Population

There is a total of 1.2 Million bobcats in the world.

There are a total of 8 hundred thousand mountain lions in the world.

Threat to its species

It has a threat of Loss of its habitation.

It has a threat of being hunted down.

Unique features

It has ears in short size with clumps and a nodded tail.

It has strength in its paws forearms and muscular jaws.

 

Conclusion:

In this article, we have seen distinctive features of these two wild animals. The article has elaborated the difference between bobcat and mountain lion. Now, it would be easier for the reader to distinguish between these two cats. Both of the cats are unique in their way of living, hunting, and preying.

Bobcat is smaller in size while mountain lion is bigger just like other wildcats. Other names that could be used for these cats are red lynx for bobcat and Puma for mountain lion.

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