The bobcat, scientifically known as Lynx rufus, is a medium-sized feline predator native to North America, ranging from southern Canada to central Mexico. Its appearance is characterized by the short, dark-tipped tail that gives the species its common name. As a highly adaptable animal occupying diverse habitats, the bobcat exhibits significant variation in its physical dimensions across its expansive geographic range.
Average Weight and Range
The typical weight range for an adult bobcat is remarkably wide, spanning from approximately 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds). However, the established average weight for the entire species is generally lower than the upper end of this range. Adult male bobcats, often referred to as “toms,” average about 9.6 kilograms (21 pounds). Adult females, or “queens,” are noticeably lighter, with an average weight of around 6.8 kilograms (15 pounds).
While these averages represent the typical size, exceptional individuals have been recorded at much higher weights. Verified records cite some of the largest bobcats reaching up to 22.2 kilograms (49 pounds). Unverified reports, often from northern regions, occasionally suggest weights exceeding 27 kilograms (60 pounds).
Factors Causing Weight Variation
The substantial difference in bobcat weight can be largely attributed to sexual dimorphism and the specific environment in which the cat lives. Sexual dimorphism is a biological rule where male bobcats consistently outweigh and are larger than females, often being 25% to 80% heavier. This size difference is an adaptation that may relate to competition between males for breeding opportunities.
Geographical location is another major determinant of a bobcat’s mass, aligning with an ecological principle known as Bergmann’s Rule. This rule suggests that within a species, individuals found in colder climates tend to be larger than those in warmer climates. The greater body mass in the north helps to minimize the surface area-to-volume ratio, which is more effective for retaining body heat.
Consequently, the largest-bodied bobcats are typically found in the northern parts of their range, such as eastern Canada and New England. Conversely, the smallest specimens are generally observed in the southernmost regions, including the southern Appalachian Mountains and parts of Florida. This clear geographic gradient means a bobcat in Maine can easily weigh twice as much as one in Mississippi.
Comparing Bobcat Size to Other Felines
To put the bobcat’s size into perspective, it is helpful to compare it to other felines. A large domestic cat, such as a male Maine Coon, typically weighs between 8.2 and 10 kilograms (18 to 22 pounds) and stands up to 41 centimeters (16 inches) at the shoulder. This places the average male bobcat just outside the upper weight limit of the largest domestic breeds, while the largest wild individuals are significantly heavier.
The bobcat is one of four species in the genus Lynx, and its closest relative is the Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis). The Canada Lynx is generally considered larger and taller, with a weight range that overlaps that of the bobcat, typically 6 to 17 kilograms (13 to 37 pounds). However, the bobcat’s robust build means that the largest bobcats are often heavier than the average Canada Lynx.
When compared to other smaller wild cats, the bobcat is roughly similar in size to the Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis). Ocelots typically weigh between 7 and 18 kilograms (15 and 40 pounds) and stand between 40 and 50 centimeters (16 to 20 inches) at the shoulder. The bobcat possesses a more muscled and stockier build than the Ocelot, despite the similar weight range.