BOBCAT (Lynx rufus uinta)
General appearance like an extremely large domestic cat. There is considerable variation of color pattern in different kinds of bobcats, but the species seen in this area is buffy above with fine streaks of gray and black; black bands appear prominently on legs. Total length about 3 feet; tail 6 inches. Weight up to 25 pounds. Note: The only animal the bobcat might be confused with is the lynx. The bobcat is smaller, buffy rather than gray, has smaller feet and short 1 inch ear tufts. The lynx is practically extinct in this area, while the bobcat or their tracks may be seen occasionally.
Bobcat
Black Bear
WEASEL
Slender, brown with buffy underparts, black tip on tail; fur turns white in winter.
MINK
Dark brown fur and bushy tail, small ears; frequents stream areas.
MARTEN
Prominent ears, bushy tail, brown with yellow underparts; found in forest areas.
PIKA
Small, brown animal with short, round ears; no tail; found only above 10,000 feet, in rock piles.
SNOWSHOE HARE
Smaller than a jack rabbit and with shorter ears; thick fur, gray in summer and pure white in winter; large hind feet.
JACK RABBIT
Very long ears, long hind legs; fur turns light gray in winter.
COTTONTAIL RABBIT
Smaller than hare and jack rabbit; feet and ears medium length; fur remains grayish-brown in winter.
CHICKAREE
Smaller grayish squirrel with white underparts, white eye ring, white fringe on tail; frequents spruce-fir forests.
ABERT SQUIRREL
Heavy bodied, long bushy tail, prominent ear tufts; fur is gray, brown or black; frequents yellow pine forests.
CHIPMUNK
Quick nervous movements; stripes on face and down middle of back, long tail, very common.
GOLDEN-MANTLED GROUND SQUIRREL
Larger than chipmunk; stripes only on sides of back; very common.
RICHARDSON GROUND SQUIRREL
Pale brown, short tail; often seen near highways in lower valleys.
PACK RAT
Large rat with brownish fur, bushy tail, and beady eyes.
POCKET GOPHER
Chunky, brown body, thick short tail, long front claws; seen near its earthen mounds.
The little bobcat ranges through the woods mostly at night seeking small rodents, rabbits, grouse, and ptarmigan. Like his giant cousin, the cougar, he will invariably detect quickly the presence of any intruder and quietly slip away. The presence of long hairs between his toes in winter, forming a “snowshoe-like” pad, enables him to travel swiftly through winter snows. Although wary of man, he will frequent settled areas where food in the form of rats, mice, and rabbits is common.