Nutrition

     The Lynx rufus habitat is solely dependent on the availability of food (Baugh 2011). To survive, the bobcat relies strictly on eating other animals, their only source of nutrition (A-Z Animals 2013). Bobcats are carnivores and prey on animals such as birds, turkeys, rabbits, bats, rodents, and small deer.  A typical eating period for the Lynx rufus results in the consumption of three pounds of meat. If a bobcat was to capture a larger animal, like a deer, it will cover and revisit the animal to feed multiple times (Stokes 1986).            
    
    The Lynx rufus is a very versatile animal which allows them to capture their prey efficiently.  The bobcat has advanced abilities of sounds and vision which allows them to quietly observe their pray before they pounce in attack. They can catch their predators with surprise by sneaking up using their soft padded paws (Berendes 2004). The bobcat uses their claws to catch their prey, and then bites into the animal’s neck using their sharp, long teeth. The Lynx rufus has 28 teeth, including their four essential canine teeth. These sharp teeth allow them to rip off multiple, small pieces of meat off their prey to consume without even having to chew (National Trappers Association 2013).            
   
    Bobcats learn their hunting abilities as a baby. Harvested in dens, mothers teach their young to hunt -- the father does not help in this process. A mother will leave the den and return with small live animals, like mice. The young Lynx rufus will practice their hunting abilities under the mother’s supervision. By two months, the bobcat graduates from drinking the mother’s milk and their diet converted entirely to adult food. They stay with their mother for a short period, but after a few months are half grown and ready to be independent and self-sufficient (Stokes 1986).


To continue to learn about the Lynx rufus check out the body features.