Invasive pythons are a major threat to Florida’s bobcats

Being a hunter does not ensure that you will never be a target of a hunt. Bobcat kittens are frequently taken by owls, foxes, and coyotes. Another major issue for these defenseless infants is cannibalism, as they are occasionally devoured by stray adults (often males) of their own species. Although mountain lions have been known to kill bobcats who intrude on their territory, fully grown bobcats don't have many natural predators.

However, the tiny list of predators that consume bobcats has added a new member in recent years. The Florida Everglades have been encircled by a Burmese python plague since 2000. These Asian snakes were discharged into the area on a regular basis for many years by people who kept exotic pets; they are now thriving there. The pythons, which can grow to 200 pounds in weight, are large enough to eat dogs, deer, and even alligators. Perhaps not surprisingly, a bobcat carcass was discovered within the stomach of at least one euthanized animal.

Pythons are also devouring the animals that bobcats depend upon for survival, including rabbits, raccoons, and rodents. Not coincidentally, the number of bobcat sightings in the Everglades fell by 87.5 percent between 2003 and 2011.