“The Woods Ghost”
Early settlers were fascinated with the bobcat and its elusive, solitary and cunning habits. Nicknamed the “woods ghost” by settlers, some even believed various parts of its body possessed special healing powers. The bobcat’s secretive nature and toughness continue to fascinate people today.
The bobcat gets its name from its short tail (5 in. long) that is dark above and white below, coloring that serves as a signaling function. This wildcat’s fur is short, dense and soft, with light brown to reddish brown hairs on the back. The underside and insides of the legs are white with dark spots or bars. Fur down the middle of the back may be darker, and can even be grayer during the winter months. Adult bobcats are about two times as large as a domestic cat, standing 20-30 inches at the shoulder. They can weigh from 10-40 pounds, males being about one-third larger than females.
Although bobcats are found in a wide range of habitats in NC, wooded habitats of the Coastal Plains and mountains support the largest numbers. The Dismal Swamp, with its hollow trees, brush piles, and root masses, provide a great habitat for these mysterious carnivores. Bobcats feast on prey such as rabbits, mice, squirrels, opossums, birds, snakes and deer. They are excellent runners, climbers and swimmers. Their paws have four toes apiece, each with retractable claws that are razor sharp. They have impeccable vision, hearing and sense of smell. Tufts of hair that extend beyond the ears assist the animal in pinpointing faint sounds of small prey.
Bobcats are solitary animals except during the breeding season, which usually occurs during February or March. Two to four kittens are born in May, with babies being weaned by 7-8 weeks of age. The average life expectancy for male bobcats is 3-4 years and females 4-5 years. Bobcats are very adaptable and will use a wide variety of habitats, enabling them to live close to people. However, due to their secretive behaviors, they often go undetected. They are the only wildcat found in NC.
Keep your eyes peeled for this elusive wildcat when visiting the Great Dismal Swamp!
Sources:
https://www.ncpedia.org/bobcat-nc-wins