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CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE BOBCAT KIND
The Bobcat is often talked about but seldom seen here in Ohio. Historically it was common throughout most of Ohio until habitat destruction took its toll and ultimately led to this species being extirpated (gone from a certain geographic area) from Ohio by about 1850. As forests and habitat returned in the mid-1900’s, so did this apex predator. Because of the scarcity of this carnivore it was listed as an Ohio Endangered Species for many years. As trail cameras became more popular and more verified sightings occurred, the state eventually removed it from the Ohio Endangered and Threatened Species list in 2014. The sightings continue to rise.
The chance sighting of one of these magnificent creatures in the wild continues to be few and far between. Most sightings are as one streak across the road at dusk or dawn. Their numbers have now risen to the point that a few years ago there was an effort to have a limited trapping season on them in select counties. Although there is still no trapping season for them, bobcats occasionally incidentally find themselves caught in a leg hold trap and must be released unharmed. How? one might ask. The answer…VERY CAREFULLY!
It is important to note that any wild animal is likely going to defend itself when captured or cornered and therefore you need to be extremely cautious while releasing it. The safest way is to use a sheet of plywood with a small half circle cut out at the bottom, which allows you to place it over the foot and trap and protect you from the animal. Ideally you should have two people working on this together for safety. A third person is even better to take video of the event and to call 911 if needed!
It is important to note that although uncomfortable while in the trap, the bobcat was not harmed and was released with no injuries.
Here are some pictures and a video of an incidental trapping of a bobcat in Adams County in December 2020.
The chance sighting of one of these magnificent creatures in the wild continues to be few and far between. Most sightings are as one streak across the road at dusk or dawn. Their numbers have now risen to the point that a few years ago there was an effort to have a limited trapping season on them in select counties. Although there is still no trapping season for them, bobcats occasionally incidentally find themselves caught in a leg hold trap and must be released unharmed. How? one might ask. The answer…VERY CAREFULLY!
It is important to note that any wild animal is likely going to defend itself when captured or cornered and therefore you need to be extremely cautious while releasing it. The safest way is to use a sheet of plywood with a small half circle cut out at the bottom, which allows you to place it over the foot and trap and protect you from the animal. Ideally you should have two people working on this together for safety. A third person is even better to take video of the event and to call 911 if needed!
It is important to note that although uncomfortable while in the trap, the bobcat was not harmed and was released with no injuries.
Here are some pictures and a video of an incidental trapping of a bobcat in Adams County in December 2020.
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Take a gaze at this Grazing video! |
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ADAMS
Soil and Water Conservation District
(SWCD)
807 NE Main St., #B
West Union, OH 45693
Phone 937-544-1010
___________________________________________
Office Hours
Monday -Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
We are frequently out of the office conducting field visits or education programs. Before making a trip in to our office please call and confirm that someone will be available to assist you.
Artwork by local artist Rhonda Willett
There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country.
~Theodore Roosevelt
~Theodore Roosevelt
con·ser·va·tion
noun \ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-shən\
: the wise use of natural resources (such as soil, trees, water, oil, etc.) to prevent them from being lost or wasted
noun \ˌkän(t)-sər-ˈvā-shən\
: the wise use of natural resources (such as soil, trees, water, oil, etc.) to prevent them from being lost or wasted