Bobcat Tracks: Determining Male versus Female

Bobcat Tracks: Determining Male versus Female

Bobcat tracks often display characteristics that allow one to determine the gender of the animal that passed by. Specific morphological features (shapes within the track) point to male versus female. Oftentimes these are relative differences that are easier to observe once you have seen many sets of bobcat footprints.

bobcat tracks photo

The above photo shows male bobcat footprints on the left and female tracks on the right. For both individuals the front foot is at the bottom and the hind is at the top of the screen. The photo clearly demonstrates some of the key morphological differences to look for in male versus female tracks. The characteristics to look for are:

Male Bobcat:

Relatively larger and rounder track than tracks of a female bobcat

Heel pad is larger overall, and is wider at the top edge

Toes are more robust and rounder than the toes of a female bobcat

There is less negative space between the heel pad and toes

Female Bobcat:

Relatively smaller and more oval-shaped track than male tracks

Heel pad is smaller overall, and is narrower at the top edge

Toes are smaller and narrower, also more oval-shaped

There is more negative space between the heel pad and toes

Determining gender from tracks can be difficult. Again it relies on relative, subtle differences that often depend on the observer's experience of seeing many sets of bobcat footprints. Regardless, in the cat family, these differences can be recognized and learned.

bobcat track photo

Here's another photo of a bobcat track. Try and figure out if it is male or female. You can email me your answer. Also, if the reader knows of other characteristics to look for in determining gender, the author would like to know. You can email me through the contact form.

We hope you enjoyed this article.

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bobcat photo

To learn more about bobcat tracks and the science of tracking, check out the Wildlife Tracking Apprenticeship.