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https://www.nwf.org/Home/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2022/Aug-Sep/Conservation/Bobcats>
"THE MOST WIDESPREAD WILD CAT in North America, bobcats are adapting
surprisingly well to suburban environments as human development spreads. Yet
this adaptation comes at a cost—and requires human acceptance.
As a longtime wildlife photographer and naturalist, I focus on coexistence with
native predators such as coyotes and bobcats, which have been hunted for pelts
and sport for centuries. Of all the animals I cover, elusive bobcats have
unique appeal with their beautiful coat, graceful but muscular build and
exceptional hunting and parenting skills.
As humans develop grasslands, woodlands and other preferred bobcat habitat,
these animals must adapt to survive, learning to navigate roadways that dissect
the territories where they hunt, find mates and raise young. At risk of road
fatalities and inbreeding within isolated populations, they also face threats
from human actions such as use of rodenticides that lace bobcat prey with
poisons, harassment due to misplaced fear of these predators or even capture as
pets.
Two bobcats walking in the street
I have spent several years photographing one female bobcat as she raised
multiple litters of kittens in a suburban neighborhood in Northern California.
A few days a week for months on end I would quietly track her movements,
keeping my distance. I saw how she hid her young in safe spots, even in
suburban yards. She’d hunt tirelessly for her kittens, and when they were old
enough, teach them how to hunt, where to find water and when to trot across a
street (pictured).
People can help bobcats by not using rodenticides, leashing dogs, keeping pet
cats indoors, never feeding bobcats and driving slowly, especially at dawn or
dusk near greenbelts. Such actions will enable these animals to thrive among
us."
Via Esther Schindler, who wrote "I’m just here for the awwww"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
