by Michael
(London, UK)
The Florida bobcat (Lynx rufus floridanus) doesn’t exist. That is what the major authorities on the world’s wild cats say. I am referring to:
- Wild Cats Of The World (Sunquists)
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ (Red List)
Both of these sources make no mention of the Florida bobcat. The Red List would have listed it as a subspecies if it was one as they always refer to the latest research into taxonomy (the classification of species)….
…Recently, classifications have been modified or upgraded through DNA analysis whereas in the past it was assessed through observation of physical characteristics and behaviour etc.
One source that argues that there is such a species is the University of Florida IFAS Extension (edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW201). They say it is a “distinct subspecies” and refer to the Florida Puma as another example. Yet it is doubtful that the Florida Puma is a subspecies as the physical differences are said to be due to inbreeding because of a very small isolated population. Of course, people in Florida would like to have their very own wild animal. What is ironic is that the wild cats in Florida cannot be said to be that well treated due to huge pressures on their habitat as a result of human population growth and activity (property developments). Although it is not clear, the university’s sources for their assertion possibly came from either or both of these sources:
- Mammals of the Eastern United States. London: Cornell University. pages. 393-497
- Brown, Larry N. 1997. Mammals of Florida. Miami, Florida: Windward Publishing, Inc. pp224.
Perhaps the major source of information on the so called Florida bobcat is Wikipedia® (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobcat). Despite what some people say Wikipedia is a reliable, high quality source because they have careful rules and they always reference sources. Wikipedia lists out 12 subspecies of bobcat one of which is the Florida bobcat.
The Wikipedia authors do not, however, support this contention with a reference. So there is no source for this statement it seems – strange. They do say that:
The subspecies division has been challenged, given a lack of clear geographic breaks in the Bobcat range and the minor differences between subspecies.
The source for this statement is a 2004 CITES convention. It is probable that the older books on the bobcat divided it up into 12 subspecies. But the science of taxonomy has become more accurate and is going through a period of change due to DNA testing as mentioned.
Modern science therefore supports the argument that there is no such animal as the Florida bobcat. It is the bobcat (Lynx rufus) no more or less. However, weight and physical characteristics of the bobcat does vary from region to region but this is typical of a number of wild cats especially those that have wide ranges (distribution) that cover differing landscapes and climates. These differences do not (at present) qualify these cats to be called different species, however.
Bobcats that occupy the more northern latitudes are usually larger than those found in the south (
for example in Florida). An example would be adult male bobcats in Oklahoma weighing on average 8.9 kg and those in Minnesota weighing 13 kg, a substantial difference.
I am reluctant to change the Wikipedia entry in case I have missed something. If someone knows better please say so in a comment below! Thanks.
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we live in Lecanto in the area near Homosassa..since I am from Maine I have heard Bobcats before.. we have lived here about a year now hove heard but never seen anything more than rustling in some bushes at dusk, last nite one was quite close and let out a scream and hiss at my dog in the back yard.. he must have startled the bobcat, who was luckily on the other side of the fence in a clearing on the edge of the woods… lots of bunnies hang out there..
Hi Katrina, nice to hear from you. I hope you see a bobcat. When you do, enjoy the cat’s presence but never harm the cat. I know you won’t.
Just had what I believe to be a bobcat take a 2nd chicken from my little backyard coop. It was not a panther, for it was darker in color with either spots or stripes. (I believe spots) almost rusty color, but bigger than I thought a bobcat would be, and longer tail (I thought bobcats had none). But what worried me is it is 10:15 am. This cat could easily take my kids down, and I am sure mess me up considerably. On his hind legs he would be as tall as my 8 yo if not a bit taller.
I would not be worried. As far as I am aware, no bobcat has ever taken a kid down. This is a wild cat that will avoid people. There have been no attacks on people unless severely provoked. I would respectfully ask you to chill out and live and let live. That is the best way, while at the same time taking sensible precautions.
I am chilled, thank you, nor am I saying that it would take them down, just that it could. As for the avoiding people, it walked right into my garage as I worked in it without fear of me, looked at me, and sat down to clean itself. no fear not long after I posted the above. It was a beautiful animal, but that still is a bit eerie. By the way…. I never said I wouldn’t live and let live, I just thought folks may like to know what I witnessed in a decently populated area of Port Charlotte. My apologies for any inconvenience.
Sorry if I offended. That was not the intention. I must have got the wrong impression from your first comment. I guess that the bobcat has become habituated to the human because the human has built settlements (homes and cities) on its territory. This is not good for the bobcat because some people like to kill it.
Has anyone seen sightings of a Florida Bobcat near Ocoee fl since the land clearing on hwy 50 and Bluford in Ocoee
Hi Dorothy, he possibly is a bit out of his territory. But I guess it could be argued that people are occupying his territory! That is probably nearer the truth.
The Florida bobcat is a subspecies so what you saw was a bobcat that seems to have become habituated to living in the urban jungle.
Thanks for commenting.