Bobcats have long legs and large paws; stubby tails; rounded heads and slightly tufted ears. Males are usually larger than females.
The bobcat's coloring varies depending on its geographic location. Bobcats inhabiting timber and heavy brush fields tend toward dark and rust-colored tones, while those found in northeastern California generally are a paler tawny-gray, often with a complete absence of spots on the back and less distinct markings; end of the tail is black tipped with white; upper legs have dark bars and face has thin, black lines radiating onto broad cheek ruff; black tufts on the tips of ears.
Bobcats usually weigh between 15 and 20 pounds but can weigh up to 30 pounds. Species has a short tail (6 to 7 inches long); stands about 20 inches tall at the shoulder; and is 28 to 49 inches long.
