"Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind... [every] beast of the earth after his kind." Gen. 1:24.
Bobcats live in southern Canada, in many places in the United States, and as far south as lower Mexico. They are just as much at home in deserts and sagebrush as they are in forests or on rocky hillsides. Shy and stealthy, it is their sharp hearing that warns them to hide quickly from danger, and being well camouflaged they are difficult to spot. However, hikers have sometimes been startled to see one standing on a nearby log, looking them over and then suddenly disappearing.
Bobcats are often confused with lynx or wildcats. Although resembling one another, each is a separate species of its own. The bobcat is a pretty animal, looking much like a large, domestic cat that has escaped from its owner's home. But its black, stubby tail and buff-colored fur, patterned with black markings over its body and a solid black streak running the length of its spine, immediately show it to be something else. A full-grown, 30-pound male stands about 20 inches high and is almost three feet long.
The bobcat is a wonderful hunter. It stalks its victim by creeping a few inches at a time on its soft paws with its body pressed to the ground. It patiently waits until it is near enough to make a lightning dash and then pounces on its victim. Rabbits are a favorite food, and farmers appreciate the bobcat's help in keeping this crop spoiler under control. It also kills rats, mice, gophers, etc. Unwary birds are frequently caught, as well as turtles, and even fish are scooped out of a shallow pool. Although its piercing howls at night have frightened many a camper, the bobcat does not attack humans.
These outdoor cats are careful to keep themselves clean, licking their fur frequently and rubbing their heads with moist paws. In the wintertime their fur is thick and heavy, but it thins in the summer. This reminds us of the Creator's kindness to the many animals He has established in the world, caring for their needs whatever the season may be. And this care of such animals reminds us, too, of His sure promise to those who love Him: "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper." Heb. 13:5,65Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (Hebrews 13:5‑6).
The mother prepares for her expected young (three or four in a litter) by searching for a hidden den or a cave and lining the floor with soft materials. The mother does all the work alone, including gathering food and training. When the kittens are born they are blind for nine or ten days. At three months she teaches them to find their own food, and at nine months they leave to start independent lives.
How interesting it is to see how the Lord God cares for all the wild creatures He has placed on the earth. But of more importance is knowing that in His love to every man, woman, boy and girl, He not only watches over us even more carefully, but He invites us to take all our cares to Him as well. "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:77Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7).