BOBCAT, a term loosely used to describe several smaller varieties of lynx (q.v.) found in North America. The name re fers to the short, stumpy tail characteristic of these animals. The bobcat shows great individual variation as to size, softness of fur, proportion of light and dark markings. The usual weight of the northern species, which occurs from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast, varies from 12 to 16 lbs. The southern variety or bay lynx is most frequently found in Texas, Virginia, the Carolinas and Florida.