The bobcat, formally known as Lynx rufus, is a medium-sized feline predator native to North America, ranging from southern Canada down to Mexico. This adaptable wildcat is a familiar presence across many varied landscapes, including forests, swamps, and semi-deserts. The common name of this widespread species is directly linked to a simple, observable physical characteristic, explaining the origin of the name “bobcat” and providing context for its scientific classification.
The Defining Physical Trait
The name “bobcat” is a direct, descriptive reference to the animal’s distinctly shortened or “bobbed” tail. Unlike most felines, which possess a long, flowing tail that aids in balance, the bobcat’s tail appears stubby, as if it has been cut off. The tail length typically measures between 4 and 7 inches, a small fraction of its total body length, which can reach up to 41 inches. This short tail is a defining feature that distinguishes it from other long-tailed North American cats, such as the mountain lion.
The truncated nature of the tail is visually emphasized by its coloration, which is usually black-tipped on the upper surface near the end. Compared to the related Canada Lynx, the bobcat’s tail is slightly longer and features black bands, while the Canada Lynx has a much shorter tail with a solid black tip. The word “bob” itself has historical roots meaning “a short, rounded mass” or “a horse’s tail cut short,” making the common name a straightforward description of the tail’s appearance.
Scientific Classification (Lynx rufus)
The formal scientific classification provides a deeper, internationally recognized context for the species. The bobcat’s binomial name is Lynx rufus, which places it within a specific taxonomic structure. The genus Lynx includes all four extant species of lynxes, characterized by their short tails, tufted ears, and long legs.
The species identifier, rufus, is a Latin word meaning “red” or “reddish,” which refers to the cat’s tawny or reddish-brown coat color. This scientific naming convention, established by Carl Linnaeus, provides information about the animal’s evolutionary relationships and physical characteristics in a formal manner. The bobcat was first scientifically described as Felis rufa in 1777, but modern taxonomy places it firmly within the genus Lynx.
The Adoption of the Common Name
The adoption of the name “bobcat” by European settlers was a simple, practical matter of distinguishing the animal from others. The term became a standard common name in the second half of the 19th century, with its first appearance in print recorded around 1888. The simplicity of referring to the animal as the “bob-tailed cat” or simply “bobcat” made it easy for early observers to communicate about the species.
The name served to immediately differentiate this feline from longer-tailed cats and even from the Canadian Lynx, which shares the short-tailed trait but occupies a different geographic range. Before the name became standardized, this North American feline was also known by other descriptive names, such as “wildcat” or “bay lynx.” This common name contrasts with the local names used by various Indigenous populations. The widespread use of “bobcat” ultimately cemented its status in the English language due to its direct and memorable reference to the animal’s most visually striking feature.