WNC Nature Center Spotlight Feature May 4, 2020

Each species found at the WNC Nature Center has its own unique story. Most of the individual animals at the Nature Center have been imprinted, meaning they have no fear of humans and never learned the skills they would need to survive in the wild, or permanently injured. Others have never known a life in the wild. You will find pictures of wildlife with their common name and Latin names, a brief natural history of each species, pictures of the wildlife at the WNC Nature Center, and information specific to the animals living at the WNC Nature Center.

Rarely spotted by the human eye, the elusive bobcat roams Western North Carolina. Resourceful and versatile, bobcats are capable of adapting to a variety of habitats including forests, swamps and deserts. They can live to be 12 years in the wild and 32 years in zoos.

Bobcats are named for their short black-tipped tails. They have tufted ears, long legs and large paws. Their short, thick top fur coat can range from light brown to red and their under coat is white with dark black spots. They have ruffs of hair on the sides of their head, which appear to look like sideburns. Bobcats are sexually dimorphic with males typically weighing more than females. Today, bobcats play an important predator role in the ecosystem. Bobcats are carnivores and solitary hunters. Their diet consists largely of small mammals like mice, rats and rabbits. They will also hunt birds, reptiles and larger prey like deer. Bobcats have a well-developed sense of smell and excellent eyesight. Their binocular vision allows them to focus on swift prey and their pupils will expand to take in all available light, making them effective night hunters. Bobcats are also efficient climbers. Their sharp, retractable claws enable them to quickly approach their prey. Bobcats hunt by ambushing their prey. They will begin by stalking their prey and end with a powerful pounce. Their long, sharp teeth and strong bite enable them to quickly kill their prey. Bobcats display territorial behavior. Males will occupy a larger home range than females. Successful male home ranges will overlap with more than one female's home range. To mark their territory, bobcats will use urine, scat, scratches and anal gland secretions. As solitary mammals, bobcats exclusively interact during the breeding season. Mating typically occurs in February or March. Bobcats will breed with multiple partners. After courtship and mating, male bobcats will not help raise the young. Females will choose a secluded den to give birth. They may den in hollow trees, rock piles or root masses. Females will give birth to an average litter size of 3. Young bobcats will leave the den at the early age of 1 month. The female will nurse the young for 2 to 3 months and will begin teaching the young how to hunt. Between 8 to 12 months of age, the young will become independent. Once found throughout the United States, today the bobcat's range is limited. Vehicles, urbanization and habitat loss all pose a threat to bobcat populations. Aside from humans, natural bobcat predators include wolves and cougars. The WNC Nature Center is home to one resident bobcat, Missy. Missy was born at Zoo Boise in Idaho and she arrived at the Nature Center in 2001. Since Missy was born and raised in a zoo, she does not fear humans and she did not learn the necessary survival skills to live in the wild. Missy is one of the oldest mammals at the Nature Center but that does not stop her from hunting and exercising. You can frequently find Missy sleeping in her hammock or climbing on her new exhibit structures. Stop by the Nature Center soon to get a better look at Missy, the Nature Center's bobcat!