Bobcat

Scientific Name: Lynx rufus
Category: Mammal
Habitat: Sonoran Desert, scrublands, rocky canyons, foothills
Active: Mostly crepuscular (dawn & dusk)

Overview:
The bobcat is a quiet and powerful predator of the desert, known for its stealth, patience, and adaptability. Slightly larger than a house cat, bobcats are excellent climbers and hunters, relying on sharp senses and camouflage to move unseen through desert terrain.

Diet:
Rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles, and occasionally insects.

Adaptations:

• Spotted coat provides natural camouflage

• Padded paws allow silent movement

• Excellent night vision for low-light hunting

Ecosystem Role:
Bobcats help regulate prey populations and maintain balance within the desert food web.

DESERT° Notes:
Often unseen but always present, the bobcat represents the desert’s quiet intelligence — observing more than it reveals.