• Species: Bobcat.
• Scientific name: Lynx rufus.
• Nicknames: None.
• Claim to fame: Bobcats are one of the animals included in the state’s trapping season (also known as furbearer season). This season runs from November 15 through Jan. 31 for most species (see Wildlife Code of Missouri for details).
As predators and scavengers, bobcats play an important role in the wildlife community.
• Species status: Bobcats are found throughout Missouri and in most parts of the United States. In 1977, the Missouri Department of Conservation closed hunting and trapping of bobcats due to a heavy harvest of the species.
In 1980, bobcats were once again included in the state’s trapping season and have been ever since.
