Are there big cats in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is currently home to only one wild cat: the bobcat. Because this cat is rarely seen, it is commonly confused with cougars, but there are some key differences between bobcats and cougars (Figure 2).

Are Wildcats and bobcats the same?

Bobcats are sometimes referred to as wildcats, and are about twice the size of the average house cat. They’re called “bobcats” because of their “bobbed” tail. Their ears, paws and long legs are quite similar to those found to be characteristic of the Canadian lynx.

What’s the difference between a bobcat and a Wildcat?

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What wild animals are native to Pennsylvania?

They are the marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris), gray wolf (Canis lupus), American marten (Martes americana), wolverine (Gulo gulo), cougar (Puma concolor), moose (Alces alces) and bison (Bison bison).

Are there lynx in PA?

The bobcat is loosely related to the Canada lynx, which is not found in Pennsylvania. Bobcats are efficient, wary predators equipped with senses of sight, smell and hearing. They have four large canine teeth to pierce deeply into prey.

Are there Pumas in PA?

There are at least 20,000 black bears in Pa., and a small percentage are killed each year, but we’re probably not talking about 20,000 pumas in the state. State Game Officials do concede that some people may indeed have seen a puma, but it was undoubtedly a released captive.

What to do if you see a bobcat?

Lynx, Bobcats, and Cougars When encountering a wild cat, back away slowly and deliberately from the animal. The more distance between you and the cat, the better. Do not run away as that could trigger the feline’s hunting instincts. You can scare it away by spraying water or making noise.

Can cougars be black?

Cougar. There is no authenticated case of a truly melanistic cougar. No specimen has been photographed or killed in the wild, nor has it ever been bred in captivity.

Can bobcats breed with domestic cats?

Domestic x Bobcat/Lynx Hybrids. The Bobcat (F Rufus) will mate with domestic cats and there are several breeds that have claimed to be descended from such matings; none have stood the scrutiny of genetic testing. Although the two species may mate they do not seem to be interfertile.

Are there caribou in Pennsylvania?

A. Reindeer, which are known as caribou in North America, and the white-tailed deer in Pennsylvania are both members of the family Cervidae, which also includes elk and moose.