As this column has noted before, our section of the state is going through some major changes – in natural habitat characteristics as well as the wildlife species that the changed flora attracts. Most noticeable have been the increased presence of predator species such as coyote and black bears. Earlier this week the DEC verified this when it announced it was installing a three-year experimental research on another predator, by holding a bobcat trapping season that will include portions of our region
The experimental season will also include trapping for fisher and bobcat in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 6A, 6C, and 6H, which include northern parts of Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence and Franklin counties, that will be implemented beginning November 1, 2006 through special permits issued to trappers. Noteworthy under this program is that trappers who obtain a special permit for the bobcat trapping season will be able to trap bobcats in WMUs 4F, 4N and 4O, which include parts of Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Broome and Chenango counties. Fisher trapping will be prohibited in these three WWUs.
The bobcat season has been closed for more than 20 years in the latter three WMUs that DEC is proposing to open for trapping this year. During that time, particularly within the past 10 years, DEC has received numerous reports of bobcat observations, road fatalities and incidental captures from the public. These reports have led wildlife biologists to conclude that bobcats are now dispersed throughout the area proposed for experimental trapping. During these research seasons, bobcat hunting will not be allowed in these three experimental WMUs. This year, the bobcat trapping season will run from Nov. 1, 2006 to Feb.15, 2007. The following two years the season will begin on October 25th and run until Feb. 15.
Bobcats are one of our more elusive predators and, as such, sightings are rare, even in areas such as the Adirondacks and Catskills, where the densities are higher. In my lifetime, I've seen only three in this area. In 1956, we had one in a tree that was after one of our barn cats. In1960, one responded to my predator calling, and I spotted the third in 1968 when it crossed a road in front of my vehicle. I have, however, occasionally seen their tracks in the snow, usually in areas of low-growing conifers that held varying hares and cottontail rabbits, two of the bobcats' favorite preys.
Much like black bears, bobcats prefer low-growing thick cover, and our area is getting an ever-increasing amount of that type of habitat as abandoned pastures and fields continue to revert to natural growth. Dense swamps are another favorite, as are larger evergreen plantations such as Christmas tree farms. This type of dense cover offers the cats security and also hunting opportunities for voles, rabbits, hares and, in springtime, fawns.
Bobcats aren't as large as many might think. Males average around 20-25 pounds and females about a third less. In other words, bobcats are often mistaken by viewers for free-roaming grey tiger housecats, which they closely resemble, except for the short six-inch tail. Bobcats mate during the early winter and females give birth to an average of three kittens, usually in the spring. However, females' estrus occurs every 40-44 days until they conceive, so litters may be born at almost any time of the year. The kittens are fully weaned by eight weeks old and remain with the mother until fall or early winter, at which time they disperse to find their own territories. Young bobcats, once on their own, are often preyed upon by coyotes, which is reason enough for bobcats to prefer areas where there's always a nearby tree to climb.
The size of a bobcat's territory depends on the availability of prey and the density of bobcats in the area. The lighter the density and availability of prey, the larger the territory. As such, an individual bobcat's territory may range from as little as a few square miles to fifty or more. Males tend to have larger territories than do females. According to the DEC, the average home range of a male in the Adirondacks is 136 square miles. The average female home range is 33 square miles. In the Catskills, the average male home range is 14 square miles, while the female average is 12 square miles. Although bobcats are seldom seen, it's more common to hear them scream. This usually occurs when one female bobcat strays into another's territory, and the two meet, or a male meets up with a receptive female. Anyone who's heard this will likely remember it for the rest of their lives. It's a high-pitched scream, not unlike that of a terrified woman. To say it will make the hairs on the nap of your neck bristle might be an understatement.
Many have seen film footage of bobcats (and lynx) chasing a hare or rabbit in the snow. While this makes for good entertainment, that's not how bobcats normally catch their prey. Being "short-winded," bobcats just don't have the endurance to effect a successful chase, so they normally lie in wait until their prey is sufficiently close to catch with a short burst of speed. They're also skilled stalkers, as anyone who's observed a domestic housecat stalking a bird on the back lawn can relate to. The lone bobcat I enticed in years ago, using rabbit squeals from a call, came in so furtively that I never knew it was there until I spotted its head as it watched me from a short distance away. Then it simply melted into the cover and I never saw it again.
Coyotes, black bears, and now bobcats. Can moose and mountain lions be far behind? Well, we can always hope .... DEC Investigating Bird Die-off
The DEC announced that the agency is investigating the cause of the deaths of numerous water birds found along the shores of eastern Lake Ontario since Saturday, Oct.21, 2006. DEC advised the public to take precautions in handling birds and other wildlife from these areas until the investigation is completed. The DEC's Pathology Unit is testing the birds for Type E Botulism, along with other clinical analyses.