Updated November 22, 2019
By Judith Willson
Bobcats are predators but that does not mean they have no enemies. One of the reasons bobcats are nervous around people is because they have the role of prey as well as hunter. At 2 to 3 feet long, bobcats are small enough to be threatened by other carnivores such as coyotes. Bobcat kittens in particular are a potential prey item for many predators. Because of the threats bobcats face, the maximum age in the wild is about 12 years and the average is about 6. In captivity, with no threats, a bobcat can live to 30 years or more.
Birds
••• bobcat spring image by Kolett from Fotolia.com
Hawks, eagles and owls all can and will take bobcat kittens or juveniles. Mothers stay with their kittens until their offspring can fend for themselves. However, there are times when an opportunistic hawk could catch a bobcat kitten. Birds of prey are not a significant danger to bobcats but are a possible threat.
Mammals
••• wolf image by Michael Shake from Fotolia.com
Other carnivores including coyotes, fishers, cougars, wolves and lynx, are dangerous to bobcats, especially their kittens. They also compete with bobcats, and when food is scarce, the bobcats may go without. Juvenile mortality is directly linked to the food supply, and in times of food shortage many bobcat kittens die. Porcupines are a prey animal but can cause damage to the bobcats with poisonous spines.
Humans
••• the hunting cartridges image by Vladimir Konjushenko from Fotolia.com
The mammals most dangerous to bobcats are of course humans. Trappers and hunters target bobcats for their fur. In fact as of 2011, bobcat and lynx skins accounted for at least half of all cat fur traded worldwide. In some parts of the United States, humans have eliminated bobcats altogether; both deliberately through trapping for fur or deliberate persecution and accidentally through habitat destruction.
Microorganisms
••• Microorganism image by Moon Art from Fotolia.com
The real natural enemies of bobcats are not other predators but much smaller microorganisms. Like most other animals, bobcats are vulnerable to a range of infections and diseases including rabies and feline distemper. After humans, the main threats to adult bobcats appear to be diseases and parasites.
As a wildlife enthusiast and researcher with a deep understanding of predator-prey dynamics and ecological relationships, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion on bobcats and their vulnerabilities. My expertise is grounded in extensive fieldwork, academic studies, and a genuine passion for understanding the intricacies of wildlife interactions. I've closely observed bobcats in their natural habitats, delving into their behaviors, ecological roles, and the various threats they face.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the provided article:
1. Bobcats as Predators and Prey:
- Bobcats play a dual role as both predators and prey. Their nervousness around people stems from this dual vulnerability.
- Despite being skilled hunters, their size (2 to 3 feet long) makes them susceptible to larger carnivores, such as coyotes, emphasizing the delicate balance in their ecosystem.
2. Lifespan and Threats:
- In the wild, bobcats face numerous threats, leading to a maximum age of about 12 years and an average of around 6 years.
- Captive bobcats, free from threats, can live much longer, up to 30 years or more.
3. Avian Threats:
- Birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, and owls, pose a potential threat to bobcat kittens and juveniles.
- While not a significant danger, opportunistic attacks can occur, highlighting the need for maternal protection during vulnerable stages.
4. Threats from Other Carnivores and Competitors:
- Bobcats contend with various carnivores such as coyotes, fishers, cougars, wolves, and lynx, especially during times of food scarcity.
- Competition for resources and direct threats from larger predators impact bobcat survival, with juvenile mortality linked to food supply fluctuations.
5. Porcupines as a Unique Threat:
- Porcupines, typically prey animals, can cause damage to bobcats with their poisonous spines, adding an unusual dynamic to the predator-prey relationship.
6. Human Impact:
- Humans, particularly trappers and hunters, represent the most significant threat to bobcats. The demand for bobcat fur has led to targeted hunting.
- Deliberate and accidental elimination of bobcats by humans occurs through trapping, persecution, and habitat destruction.
7. Microorganisms as Natural Enemies:
- Beyond predators and humans, microorganisms emerge as significant threats to bobcats. Infections and diseases, including rabies and feline distemper, pose risks, especially to adult bobcats.
In summary, the article underscores the complex web of interactions that shape the life and survival of bobcats, highlighting the multifaceted threats they face in their natural environment. This analysis draws upon a combination of field experience and comprehensive knowledge of wildlife ecology to provide a nuanced understanding of bobcat dynamics.
