The bobcat, Lynx rufus, is a native North American feline found across a wide range of environments, from southern Canada down into Mexico. This medium-sized wild cat is well-established in the Pacific Northwest, and they are definitively present in Oregon. Bobcats are common, though they are rarely seen due to their secretive nature.
Bobcat Population Status and Range Across Oregon
Bobcats are widely distributed across Oregon, with an estimated population of around 30,000 individuals statewide. They are found in nearly every county, demonstrating adaptability to the state’s varied geography. Their stable population status means they are not endangered, but they are classified as protected furbearers under state law, with regulated hunting seasons.
The distribution spans from the brushy Coast Range mountains to the semi-arid high desert of Eastern Oregon. Bobcats tend to avoid areas with deep winter snow, such as the highest elevations of the Cascade Mountains, because their small feet struggle in deep powder. They also steer clear of intensively cultivated lands and dense urban centers, though they may use suburban edges for foraging.
The population is genetically subdivided into two recognized subspecies: L. rufus fasciatus west of the Cascades and L. rufus pallescens east of the Cascades.
Preferred Oregon Habitat Types
Oregon bobcats thrive in environments that offer dense cover and sufficient prey resources. Their preferred habitats are not deep, unbroken forests but rather areas characterized by edges and brushy transition zones. This includes the brushy foothills and broken forests of Western Oregon, where thickets and clear-cuts provide prime hunting and resting grounds.
In Eastern Oregon, the cats occupy semi-arid shrublands and rocky canyons, utilizing rock ledges and outcrops as den sites. Riparian zones along rivers and streams are also favored habitats across the state, as they offer dense vegetation and consistent water sources. They establish dens in natural cavities, under large brush or log piles, and inside hollow logs.
Physical Characteristics and Identification
The bobcat is the smallest wild cat species in Oregon, typically about twice the size of a large domestic house cat, with a muscular and compact body. A distinguishing feature is the short, “bobbed” tail, which measures between 4 and 7 inches long. This tail is black-tipped on the top side, often with a white underside that flashes when the animal moves.
Their coat coloration is highly variable, ranging from blonde or pale gray in the east to reddish-brown in the moister western regions. The fur is patterned with spots or streaks that provide excellent camouflage in brushy terrain.
Identification is also aided by facial features, which include prominent cheek ruffs and pointed ears that have short black tufts and a distinct white spot on the back. Adult males are generally larger than females, with weights ranging from 14 to 45 pounds.
Diet and Hunting Behaviors
Bobcats are strict carnivores, and their diet in Oregon focuses primarily on small mammals and birds. Rabbits and hares, including the snowshoe hare, are the most important food sources across both the Coast and Cascade Ranges. Rodents, such as woodrats, mice, and squirrels, make up a significant portion of their meals.
In Western Oregon forests, the bobcat is known as the chief predator of the mountain beaver, Aplodontia rufa. Though they prefer smaller prey, they are opportunistic hunters and will occasionally take larger animals like deer fawns; however, much of the deer meat found in their diet is likely carrion.
The bobcat’s hunting style involves stalking prey followed by a swift, powerful pounce. They are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk, but they can be active at any time.