The bobcat is a medium-sized North American cat that first appeared during the Irvingtonian stage around 1.8 million years ago. Containing two recognized subspecies, it ranges from southern Canada to central Mexico, including most of the contiguous United States.

Their fur is buff to brown, sometimes with a reddish tinge, marked with spots or stripes of brown or black, or both. Bobcats are more intensely colored above and lighter below. They have facial ruffs, ear tufts, white spots near the tips of their ears and a bobbed tail.