The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a medium-sized wild cat widely distributed across North America, ranging from southern Canada through most of the contiguous United States. Despite its adaptability, the bobcat is an elusive and secretive predator rarely seen by humans. Bobcats are not primarily active during darkness, but rather during the twilight hours. Therefore, their periods of rest often occur during the daylight hours.
Understanding the Bobcat Activity Cycle
Bobcats exhibit a biological rhythm known as crepuscular activity, meaning they are most active during the low-light periods of dawn and dusk. Their hunting and movement peaks generally occur for a few hours before and after sunset, and again before and after sunrise. This schedule allows them to capitalize on the activity patterns of their primary prey, such as rabbits and small rodents, which are also often crepuscular.
This activity pattern is not absolute and can be highly flexible, driven by environmental necessity and security. Bobcats may become strictly nocturnal in areas with high human activity to avoid encounters with people. Conversely, they may shift to diurnal behavior during winter months, especially in northern regions, to hunt prey active during the warmer parts of the day. Their rest periods are opportunistic, occurring when conditions allow for security and reduced disturbance.
Temporary Resting Sites and Daybeds
During periods of inactivity, which often coincide with the middle of the day, bobcats rely on temporary resting sites known as daybeds. These shelters are chosen for immediate concealment and security, and they are typically used only for a single day before the animal moves on. The primary selection criterion is simple: dense cover that offers protection from predators and the elements.
Transient shelters include dense thickets of brush, beneath the low-hanging boughs of coniferous trees, or within brush piles and logging debris. In arid environments, a bobcat may select a daybed under a rock ledge or next to a fallen tree. These sites are rarely structurally modified by the bobcat, serving as a secure spot to rest until the next hunting period begins.
The Role of Permanent Dens
Permanent dens provide secure shelter for extended, sensitive periods, and are often reused across seasons or years. The most important structure is the natal or maternity den, which a female bobcat uses to give birth to and raise her litter of typically two to three kittens. During this time, the female significantly restricts her movements, requiring high protection.
These permanent sites are usually highly secure natural features, such as deep rock crevices, small caves, hollow logs, or cavities beneath tree roots or rocky outcrops. The female often lines the den interior with soft material, such as dried grass, moss, or her own fur, to insulate and cushion the young. Females may move their kittens to auxiliary dens up to five times during the first weeks of life to avoid detection by predators or parasites. Dens are also utilized by both sexes for protection during severe winter weather, offering a stable environment against extreme cold or deep snow.
Habitat Selection Criteria for Shelter
The selection of any resting location, whether temporary or permanent, is guided by ecological criteria that prioritize safety and resource access. A primary factor is the presence of high horizontal cover, which refers to dense vegetative growth or complex terrain that provides visual obstruction. This concealment helps the bobcat avoid detection by larger predators, such as coyotes or mountain lions, and minimizes human disturbance.
Bobcats prefer areas with high terrain ruggedness, utilizing steep slopes, cliffs, and rocky areas difficult for other animals to access. These features often provide the structural components necessary for permanent den sites. Chosen shelter locations are typically situated close to abundant prey populations and are often found in areas with low road density, allowing the bobcat to rest undisturbed near its foraging grounds.