The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is recognized across North America by its distinctive short tail, a defining feature that gives the species its common name. The typical bobcat possesses a tail that appears abruptly cut, or “bobbed,” a trait that is genetically fixed and standard for the species. This characteristic morphology sometimes leads to confusion when a wildcat with a noticeably longer-than-average tail is sighted. The question of whether some bobcats naturally have long tails requires examining the species’ anatomy, the possibility of rare genetic anomalies, and the common phenomenon of mistaken identity. While the short tail is the biological rule, rare exceptions and visual misinterpretations contribute to the perception of a long-tailed bobcat.
The Defining Characteristic: The Bobbed Tail
The bobcat’s abbreviated tail results from its skeletal structure, specifically a significant reduction in the number and length of its caudal vertebrae compared to long-tailed felines like the mountain lion. Most long-tailed cats possess between 20 and 28 caudal vertebrae, forming a long, flexible whip. In contrast, the bobcat’s tail typically measures only four to seven inches, representing a much smaller count of these tail bones. This shortened appendage is not merely a vestige; it retains important functions. The bobbed tail aids in balance, particularly during rapid direction changes while pursuing prey or navigating uneven terrain. It is also used for subtle communication, where twitches or postures convey mood or intent to other bobcats. The species’ biological norm is a tail tipped with black on the upper side and white underneath.
Genetic Variations in Tail Length
While the bobbed tail is the species standard, biological exceptions can occur due to rare genetic factors influencing vertebral column development. The gene responsible for the naturally short tail is highly influential, but variations or mutations can lead to an intermediate tail length. These anomalies are similar to genetic mechanisms seen in domestic cat breeds, where a single gene complex produces a range of tail forms from tailless to near-normal length. In bobcats, a less severe expression of the short-tail gene may result in a tail notably longer than the average four-to-seven-inch length. These longer tails are still significantly shorter than those of a typical long-tailed cat, but they are substantial enough to attract attention. A bobcat with a truly full-length tail, resembling that of a cougar, would require a profound and extremely rare developmental error, making such a sighting highly improbable.
Distinguishing Bobcats from Lookalikes
The most frequent explanation for an apparent “long-tailed bobcat” is misidentification, often confusing the animal with a related species or a juvenile of a larger feline. The Canadian Lynx (Lynx canadensis), a close relative, shares the genus Lynx and also has a short, bobbed tail, but the two are easily confused. A key feature for differentiation is the tail tip: the bobcat’s tail is banded and black only on top, while the Canada lynx’s tail is entirely black at the tip, appearing dipped in ink.
Another common source of confusion is the juvenile Mountain Lion (Puma concolor), often called a cougar or puma. Young cougar cubs possess spots, much like a bobcat, but they also have a long, thick tail characteristic of the species. A small, spotted, long-tailed cat is frequently reported as a long-tailed bobcat when it is actually a young cougar.
Beyond the tail, bobcats can be distinguished by several features:
- Shorter ear tufts.
- A reddish-brown coat with distinct spotting.
- Smaller, more compact paws that lack the large, snowshoe-like structure found on the Canadian Lynx.