Bobcat
 

Description - The color of the bobcat is tawny (greyer in the winter) with indistinct black spotting.  The tail is short and stubby with 2 or 3 black bars with a black tip above and pale or white below. The face has broken black lines which radiate onto the broad cheek ruff. Average weight is 15-35 pounds with the male being larger than the female.

Distribution - The bobcat primarily occurs in scrubby country and broken forests, but adapts to swamps, farmlands and arid lands if they are rocky or brushy.  It roams freely at night and is frequently abroad during the day except at the peak of summer.  They are spottily distributed from coast to coast throughout southern Canada. 

Tracks - The bobcat track is easily distinquished with a round shape, four toes and no claws are evident.  It is generally twice the size of a domestic cat print and loosely resembles that of a coyote or dog but is more rounded.  At greater speeds the toes of the front foot spread easier than that of the hind one which has a smaller ball pad.

 As with any wildlife that transits the campus, it is best to leave it alone.  This is the bobcat's habitat; they do not like contact with humans and as a rule are seldom seen.

The Department of Fish & Game stated that the bobcats were of little if any threat, but that the department would take immediate action if any threat arises.