RJ

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RJ's “story” began when he was discovered by a truck driver on the side of the road near Los Angeles as a tiny and severely ill kitten. The driver decided to take him home, initially believing that RJ was a domestic kitten. However, it was only later that he realized RJ was actually a bobcat and made the decision to surrender him.

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Milestones

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Discovery and Rescue (March 2008): RJ was found on the side of the road near Los Angeles by a truck driver as a severely ill kitten, only a few weeks old.

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Surrender (May 2008): After initially mistaking RJ for a domestic kitten, the truck driver realized he was a bobcat and surrendered him to animal rescue for proper care.

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Determination of His Future: The animal rescue determined that RJ had been exposed to too much human interaction, making him unsuitable for release into the wild. They suspected he was a captive-bred bobcat.

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Permanent Home at Lions Tigers & Bears: Lions Tigers & Bears welcomed RJ to their sanctuary, providing him a safe, lifelong home. The team also speculated that RJ's friendly behavior and unique characteristics were evidence of captive breeding, highlighting the larger issue of private ownership of wild animals.

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Meet Our Other Residents

Zoe

Meet Zoe: What Netflix’s Tiger King didn’t tell you At Lions Tigers & Bears, we believe every animal deserves a chance at a happy, healthy life. Zoe and her sister Jem, two tigers rescued from dire conditions, embody the resilience and strength that drives our mission. Their journey from uncertainty to security highlights the importance […]

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Delilah

Meet Delilah, Our Black Bear Delilah lived with Blossom at the Little River Zoo in Norman, Oklahoma. They were the lone residents left at the zoo, following the closure of the zoo in 2011 due to continuing financial woes. Faced with money problems, zoo officials tried to maintain their standards of care while finding homes […]

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Diego

Meet Diego, Our Bobcat Diego's journey to find a permanent home has been filled with uncertainty and challenges, but he has finally found his sanctuary at Lions Tigers & Bears. Diego was anonymously dropped off at a pet hospital in Rancho Bernardo, leaving no clues about his origins. There was no way to tell whether […]

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FAQ's

What do bobcats eat?

Bobcats are carnivores and have a diverse diet that includes rabbits, rodents, birds, and even deer. They are skilled hunters, using stealth and patience to ambush their prey.

Where do bobcats live?

Bobcats are native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, swamps, and even suburban areas. They are highly adaptable and thrive in diverse environments across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

How long do bobcats live?

In the wild, bobcats typically live 7-10 years, but in captivity, they can live up to 20 years with proper care, nutrition, and medical attention.

Are bobcats social animals?

No, bobcats are typically solitary animals. They establish and defend their own territories, only coming together briefly during mating season. Each bobcat marks its territory with scent markings and scratches.

How fast can bobcats run?

Bobcats can run up to 30 mph (48 km/h) in short bursts, usually when chasing prey or escaping danger. However, they rely more on stealth, climbing, and quick reflexes than long-distance speed.

Are bobcats endangered?

Bobcats are not currently endangered and are classified as a species of "Least Concern." However, habitat destruction, hunting, and the fur trade pose threats to some local populations. Conservation efforts help protect them from unnecessary harm.

How many bobcats are in captivity?

The exact number is unknown, but thousands of bobcats are kept in captivity, including in zoos, sanctuaries, and private ownership. Unfortunately, many are exploited for their fur, used in the pet trade, or kept in inadequate conditions. Ethical sanctuaries, like Lions Tigers & Bears, rescue bobcats from neglect and provide them with proper care for life.

Watch More Videos on Bobcats

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The Dangers of Cub Petting: Why It's Harmful and Unethical | Lions Tigers & Bears

Captivity Cruelty: The Dark Side of Private Wildlife Ownership | Lions Tigers & Bears | San Diego

An Urgent Crisis: Unraveling the Impact of the Illegal Wildlife Trade | Lions Tigers & Bears

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