Bobcats are expert climbers and swimmers.  They have keen eyesight, but are short winded and unable to sustain extended chases.  The decorative looking hairs on the tips of their ears serve as antennas increasing the ability to hear the slightest sound.  These cats are native to Illinois and were taken off the endangered list in 1999.  Bobcats were the first carnivores to populate our zoo.  Our zoo is home to three bobcats, two females and one male.