Are there wildcats in the Smoky Mountains? 

It's been more than 100 years since mountain lions lived in the Smokies 

But it's not uncommon to hear from someone who says they have seen one 

So what's the difference between a bobcat and a mountain lion? 

Here are a few ways to tell them apart: 

Mountain lions have a full, long tail. A bobcat's tail is very short 

The tail 

#1

A bobcat usually weighs 13-40 lbs. A mountain lion is much bigger at 70-180 lbs  

The size 

#2

Bobcats have tufted ears with hair that sticks up 

The ears 

#3

Read more about spotting bobcats in the Smokies! 

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