Bobcats in the Everglades

bobcatThe Everglades is home to so many mammals including felines like the bobcat. Bobcats are one of two native cat species that call southern Florida their home. Bobcats are common in Everglades unlike the Florida panther.

Bobcats are not endangered. They are mainly nocturnal creatures but can be spotted during daylight. In the Everglades, bobcats have been seen walking around Bear Lake Trail, Snake Bight Trail, and the main Park road.

Bobcats can live in various types of habitats such has cypress swamps, prairies, hardwood hammocks, and pine rocklands. In one day, an adult bobcat can travel anywhere from 5 to 50 miles looking for food. For food, the bobcat eats small mammals (squirrels, opossums, rodents), birds, and fish.

Bobcats are much smaller than the Florida panther.  They coexist in the Park together. The bobcat is short-tailed (“bobbed” tail) feline with a spotted, red-gold fur coat. They have fringed fur on the sides of their head. They can weight anywhere from 13 to 35 pounds, and they can grow up to 50 inches in length.  Bobcats can live up to 14 years in the wild.

Bobcats don’t just call Florida home. They have been known to live in Canada and all the way down to Central America.

The bobcat will stay in a den it creates in a tree, cave, or open shelter. Often, bobcats have more than one den spread across different areas, in case they need shelter.  A female bobcat will have one to two kittens in a litter. Bobcat mating season is from August to March.

Bobcats usually will not approach a human. For your safety, it’s best to leave a bobcat alone while in the wild or the Everglades if you spot one.

Come on an airboat tour and see if you can spot a bobcat walking around during daylight!

Captain Mitch’s Everglades Airboat Tours has been giving tours to in the Everglades for more than 30 years.

To book a tour. Click our Everglades airboat tour page or call 800-368-0065.. We are open seven days a week 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax).