There are two sorts of wild cats in Illinois, however just one is native to the state. The bobcat is the one wild cat that may name Illinois dwelling. Chances are you’ll sometimes see a cougar within the state, however it is a uncommon sighting. Cougars usually solely move via Illinois. Learn on to be taught extra about these two wild cats that may be seen within the Prairie State.
Sorts of Wild Cats in Illinois
1. Bobcat
| Species: | Lynx rufus |
| Weight: | 11–30 kilos |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Shade: | Tan or reddish brown with black spots |
The bobcat is the one native wild cat in Illinois. There are roughly 5,000 bobcats¹ all through the state. Chances are you’ll by no means see one as a result of they’re good hiders and don’t wish to be round folks. These are solitary cats that might a lot reasonably conceal or flee than be seen by people.
Bobcats usually stay within the southern a part of Illinois, however they are often seen wherever within the state. They play a vital function within the ecosystem as a result of they management rodents and different pests. Nonetheless, bobcats are additionally identified to prey on livestock and pets, which led to their close to extinction within the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The cats had been hunted by these wishing to guard their animals. The cats had been thought-about threats and had been eradicated. Within the Nineteen Seventies, these cats grew to become protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Look
Bobcats are almost twice the dimensions of a median home cat. They’ll weigh 11–30 kilos, generally reaching as much as 40 kilos. They’ve tan or reddish-brown coats with black spots, tufted ears, white bellies, and naturally, bobbed tails. This latter characteristic provides the cats their identify. The tail is barely round 5 inches lengthy and has darkish bands round it with a white tip.
2. Cougar
| Species: | Puma concolor |
| Weight: | 75–160 kilos |
| Lifespan: | 10–20 years |
| Shade: | Tan, gray, or reddish brown |
A cougar can also be known as a panther, mountain lion, or puma. They’re the second largest cat in the US. In the event you see a cougar, they’re prone to simply be touring to their subsequent cease. They’re solitary animals and solely work together with each other to mate. In Illinois, bobcats are generally misidentified as cougars, however the variations of their look are fairly noticeable.
Cougars are a uncommon sight and ought to be left alone when you ought to occur to see one. They prey on deer and small animals, hiding and ready for the proper second to pounce. They’re so highly effective that they will take down massive animals with one leap.
Look
Cougars have tan, gray, or reddish-brown coats. They’ve slender our bodies with spherical heads. Their ears are pointed. Their very lengthy tails have black suggestions. They’ve gentle muzzles and undersides. The variations between cougars and bobcats are their measurement, coats, and tails. Cougars are big in comparison with bobcats, and their coats don’t have any spots. A cougar’s tail also can attain as much as 3 ft in size.
Conclusion
Bobcats and cougars are the one wild cats that you simply’ll see in Illinois, however solely the bobcat is native to the state. Cougars can seem in Illinois, however it’s often as a result of they’re touring via the state to get someplace else.
These cats fluctuate wildly in look. The bobcat is small and noticed with a bobbed tail. The cougar is big with no spots and a protracted tail. In the event you see both of these cats, do not forget that they don’t wish to interact with you. Except you might be in speedy hazard, it’s finest to depart them be and allow them to proceed on their method.
Featured Picture Credit score: camselo, Pixabay