Pound for pound, the bobcat or lynx are some of the fiercest cats in North America. They are accomplished hunters and fighters. During mating season if two males meet, they will literally make the fur fly vying for the attentions of the female. Although the two look so similar, there are differences between the species. The lynx has tufts on the ends of their ears as one distinction. Both have coats that range from smoky gray with small black spots of the bobcat to sometimes all white fur of the lynx, although the lynx can have coloring similar to the bobcat. The most prominent feature of them that give them their name of course is their short stubby tail. The size of bobcats can vary from 9 to an incredible 84 lbs and 25 to 50 inches long in body, including around 9 inches of tail. The average tends to be around 30 lbs. Females run a bit smaller than males in both weight and length.

While the medium sized cats are most recognized in North America, there are also lynx and bobcats that reside in Europe. In North America the bobcat usually stays down to the lower States but is wide spread in them. The lynx like the cooler climate of the northern border and Canada. They have thick coats to combat the cold. Their feet also has fur between their toes and pads to make walking on snow and ice more comfortable.

The home ranges vary from the different species but usually tend to be from 3 to 100 sq. miles. The Female's ranges usually don't overlap each other while a larger male may overlap another males. Males do overlap two or more female's ranges although. Mating is around between December and April when a male and female will come together for a short time. The male will then depart to most likely find another female to mate with. If their union is successful then after a 63-70 gestation period 2 to 6 kits will be born blind and dependant solely on their mother with no help from the father.

The prey of the Bobcat and Lynx are as varied as the size of the ranges. The bobcats are opportunists and will take any thing that presents itself. The type of prey depends on the location, season, and climate the cat lives in. In Europe the muskrat is a favored prey animal, while in the lower State in America the squirrel and sometimes turkey are hunted. The bobcat, like its larger cousins, uses a stealth and stalk method for their hunting. They will track by scent then by sight slowly and silently stalking close to pouncing range. When the time is right they will spring forward with incredible speed and pounce biting the back of the prey's neck. Sometimes flipping the prey up and over to grab the throat.

The Bobcats face many threats from both natural and man. The contests for mating are sometimes bloody and intense. They face competition from larger predators such as Mountain Lions and Wolves. But the most threat they face is the skin trade and loss of habitat. The Bobcat and Lynx can are readily adaptable to their surroundings and can survive if given the chance. They are part of the cycle and balance of nature and should be respected.