Bobcat Breeding Season
The peak of the Bobcat breeding season is in February and March. During this time, males breed with as many females as possible. Females actively announce their availability through cheek and body rubbing, as well as marking their territory with urine. Their loud and frequent vocalizations can also be heard. Courtship includes the male and female Bobcat chasing and leaping on each other, which is followed by mating (up to 16 times daily for several days).
(Photo: This Bobcat was seen approaching the residence of two domesticated cats. While standing on its hind feet, it scratched the glass door repeatedly. Possibly its vomeronasal organ, located at the roof of its mouth, allowed it to detect the indoor cats’ pheromones.) Thanks to Lucy Keefe who kindly alerted me as to the Bobcat’s presence.
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North American River Otters Mating and Giving Birth
North American River Otters are induced ovulators – copulation releases the female’s egg from the ovary. Once the egg is released and fertilized, however, there is a nine to eleven month delay before the embryo begins actively developing (delayed implantation). Actual gestation takes about two months. Thus, otters sometimes give birth up to a year after mating, just before their next breeding cycle. April and May are busy months for this semiaquatic mammal.
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