Backyard Visitors

My sister and brother-in-law live at the foot of the Huachuca Mountains outside of Sierra Vista, Arizona.  They have had some adorable visitors!  These are bobcats, a mamma and two cubs. They said there was a Dad too, but according to some other sources on Bobcats, he should not be hanging around with Mama and the cubs.   The Monument fire tore through the desert and mountains of the area earlier this summer, probably pushing wildlife closer into town.  These guys look healthy enough, if maybe a little skinny.

Bobcats are usually very secretive and only come out at night.  There are thought to be around a million here in North America, even though they are rarely sighted.  They live alone except when the mother is raising cubs, at which time she will have between 1 and 6 babies with her.

Bobcats can eat prey much larger than one would expect, but usually stick to small mammals and birds.  They seem to adapt easily, which is why they are still the most common wild cat in North America.

Interestingly, male bobcats will sometimes overlap territories, but females are more territorial and will not share.  I guess we will know that every time we see this little lady she is the same one.  Have you had any interesting visitors in your yard lately?  I would love to see them! Go ahead and post a comment with your pictures and a little information about who has been visiting your neighborhood. 

For more information about bobcats, click on one of these links:

National Geographic

Defenders of Wildlife