Kirk Stirnweis (B. 1967) "Bobcat" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day of Issue Maximum Card of the 22c Bobcat issued on 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, blak-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. Image Size: 13.5 x 18.25 in. Overall Size: 17.5 x 21.75 in. Unframed. (B10908)