The bobcat also known as the red lynx, is one of the four extant species within the medium-sized wild cat genus Lynx. It has distinctive black bars on its forelegs and a black-tipped, stubby (or "bobbed") tail, from which it derives its name. It reaches a total length (including the tail) of up to 50 inches. It is an adaptable predator inhabiting wooded areas, semidesert, urban edge, forest edge, and swampland environments. Though the bobcat prefers rabbits and hares, it hunts insects, chickens, geese and other birds, small rodents, and deer. Deep snow will force bobcats closer to towns and residences in search of accessible food, causing an increase in bobcat sightings and complaints. On very rare occasions they will eat fruit and may scavenge carrion.

Bobcats use all of the habitats from agricultural areas to dense woods. Rock cliffs, outcroppings, and ledges are used for shelter, raising young, and resting sites. Large brush or log piles and hollow trees or logs are used in wooded areas. Finding bobcats in fields, meadows and other areas is not uncommon, provided enough forest or timbered areas for escape is nearby. Bobcats occur less frequently in areas of deep winter snow. Unlike lynx, bobcats have small feet so snow greatly reduces their mobility and ability to catch prey. Home range size of bobcats in Maine varies from about 36 square miles for adult males and about 18 square miles for adult females.