Watch This Fearless Bobcat Stalk an Alligator in a True Display of Dominance
It’s incredible that this unusual behavior by a bobcat has been caught on camera. Not only is the bobcat apparently hunting during the day (they usually hunt at night) but it is also stalking an alligator! This footage caused such interest that it was reported in the media. We learn that the bobcat eventually gave up so maybe this was a half-hearted attempt only. Scroll down to watch the full video of this unique encounter.
What Do Bobcats Normally Eat?
Bobcats are found in Central and North America and are part of the Lynx genus. They can grow to weight up to about 33 pounds and are carnivores. They live a solitary lifestyle and are usually quite shy so seeing one at all is quite unusual. Bobcats like to hunt during the night especially around dawn and dusk and usually spend the day resting.
These guys have excellent vision, smell and hearing to detect prey and can run at up to 30 mph to chase their target. Their diet is made up of small mammals so that includes rabbits, hares, and mice and they will also catch lizards and birds that are on the ground. However, they have been seen catching larger animals such as deer when food supplies are scarce. Alligators are not usually on their list of prey.
Bobcats usually hunt small mammals, birds and lizards©Victor Arita/Shutterstock.com
Could a Bobcat Beat an Alligator?
Should a bobcat decide to take on an alligator, it is running the risk of getting very badly hurt. Alligators are larger than a bobcat (they can reach 15 feet) and can run at similar speeds. This particular alligator is quite small and therefore does not present such a risk.
Larger alligators could kill a bobcat with their powerful bite using up to 80 teeth. Bobcats can pounce very quickly but a fully grown gator would probably be able to throw them off and launch a deadly counterattack.
This bobcat may simply have been curious about the reptile rather than viewing it as potential prey. Sadly, both animals were at risk of being injured by vehicles on the highway and this is how many bobcats lose their lives.
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