08/15/2026
Last week was International Cat Day! In honor of the tremendous feline species that can be found all over the world, we will be highlighting our two feline friends that inhabit San Mateo County Parks: the Mountain Lion and the Bobcat! Many visitors confuse the two species, so below we have highlighted the primary traits of each species.
Mountain Lions feed primarily on deer, rabbits and raccoons.
They are solitary, large felines typically weighing 90-150 pounds. On average, a Mountain Lion's tail ranges in length from 2.5-3 feet, which makes up about 1/3 of their overall length. They lack the spotted pattern that is found on bobcats.
Bobcats feed on rabbits, small rodents, reptiles and ground birds. Bobcats are able to produce a vast array of unique vocalizations. They have a short bobbed tail, and a spotted camouflage coat. They are much smaller and lighter than a mountain lion, typically weighing 15-35 pounds.
Remember that both of these species are still wild animals, so it is important not to approach them and respect their natural territory and habitats.
Credits:
Mountain Lion Photo 1: Johanna Turner
Mountain Lion Photo 2: Johanna Turner
Bobcat photo 1: Kala Murphy King
Bobcat photo 2: Rob Cala
Bobcat Photo 3: Ignacio A. RodrĂguez