Bobcat, Shenandoah National Park, 2015.

Bobcats are solitary and not often seen during the day. The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a North American mammal that appeared around 1.8 million years ago. Twelve subspecies are currently recognized. This adaptable predator inhabits wooded areas, semideserts, urban edges, forest edges and even swamplands. The bobcat is vital for controlling pest populations, preferring rabbits and hares. However, it will hunt anything from insects, chickens, geese, other birds and even small rodents to deer, if necessary. Local populations are vulnerable to extirpation by coyotes and domestic animals.