Shawn Doebling had a Bobcat sighting recently. Shawn wrote, “We live off  Fish Rock Road in Gualala. This is the first time we’ve seen one here. Do you know how to tell if it’s male or female?” Looking at Shawn’s photos we believe the Bobcat is a male.

Male Bobcats are substantially bigger than females.  Adult males weigh between 20 and 30 pounds and are about three feet in length. Females can be about two feet in length and weigh only 11 pounds. You only see males and females together during courtship and mating. Then the male takes off, leaving the female to care for her young. So, if you see a Bobcat bringing food back to a den, you can be sure it’s the female.

Thanks to Shawn for allowing me to share this Bobcat photo with you here.