Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Bobcat" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. Wildlife of the 50 States 22c Bobcat/New Mexico stamp issued June 13, 1987. Resembling a common house cat, the Bobcat hunts silently by night through the forests, swamplands, mountains, and deserts of North America. However, this resemblance is only superficial. The Bobcat -- named for his characteristically stubby, black-tipped tail -- is a powerful feline weighing some twenty pounds, standing fifteen in tall, and measuring about two feet in length. Its stealth and cunning have earned the Bobcat a reputation as an extraordinary hunter. His shy nature is underscored by the fact that the Bobcat hunts, and usually lives, alone. Bobcat dens are generally found among the rocks and caves or even in hollow logs. Here, the female gives birth to her young, nursing them for two months. Soon, she is leading them on forays into the night, teaching them the ways of the species. Fluffy and playful, the kittens learn quickly the serious side of life in the wild, and by the age of one year, they are ready to go out on their own. In captivity the Bobcat may live up to twenty-five years, but in the wild, exposed to the many dangers nature imposes, the lifespan of a Bobcat is quickly reduced to ten or twelve years. Image Size: 11 x 10.5 in. Overall Size: 20 x 19.5 in. Unframed. (B10997)