Newborns weigh about 12 ounces and are 10 inches in length. They have spotted fur and sharp claws. Their eyes open at 9-11 days of age. Not long after, the kittens venture outside the den to play. They're weaned at about 2 months of age, but most remain with their mother until fall or the next spring.
Some females are sexually mature and mate when they're one year of age.
Conservation Maintaining and managing forest habitats are important conservation measures for bobcats. In some cases, forests need complete protection because they're located in key areas or provide homes for rare plants and animals. Illinois' Nature Preserves and Natural Areas help to meet this goal. Most of the time, cutting trees for timber, pulp, and firewood is good for wildlife as long as it's done responsibly. Sunlight is the key to the composition of the forest.