Similar in appearance to the lynx, the bobcat ranges across southern Canada. It is also found in the central and western U.S.A. and throughout northern Mexico. It is generally smaller than the lynx, and with a more heavily spotted coat. Generally, it is about twice as big as a house cat. Males are about 10% bigger and 25% to 80% heavier than females. Some individual bobcats have attained weights of almost 32 kg (70 lb.).

A bold, solitary stalker of small game, the bobcat's diet consists mainly of mice and rabbits, but it has been known to kill muskrats, mountain beavers, foxes and weasels. Bobcats will occasionally attack deer, but they are generally too small to have much success unless the deer is sleeping or bogged down in snow.

In Canada, most bobcat kittens are born in May or June. There are usually two to three kittens in a litter.

Bobcats are preyed upon primarily by cougars, wolves, coyotes and humans.