The bobcat is a medium-sized member of the cat family. It can be distinguished at a distance by its graceful catlike movements, 4- to 6-inch “bobbed” tail, round face, and pointed ears. The tip of the tail has black hair, and prominent white dots are on the upper sides of the ears. Body hair color varies, but the sides and flanks usually are brownish black or reddish brown with either distinct or faint black spots. Bobcats live in all sorts of habitat, from subtropical forests to high and dry rimrock. Bobcats prefer areas where these native habitat types are interspersed with agriculture and escape cover such as dense forests. Bobcats are carnivores, capable of hunting and killing prey that range from the size of a mouse to an adult deer. Rabbits, tree squirrels, snakes, turkeys and other ground nesting birds make up most of their diet, but Bobcats are opportunistic predators, feeding on poultry, livestock, house cats and small dogs when they get a chance. Bobcats do not cause damage to a house or property other than feeding on livestock and pets.