Adams Soil and Water Conservation District

News you need to know...

BOARD MEETING
RE-SCHEDULED

The regular monthly board meeting of Adams Soil & Water has been re-scheduled for Monday, February 22 at 7:00 pm.

Tree Seedling
sales are going on
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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.

A PADDLER'S GUIDE TO OHIO BRUSH CREEK
SCAN CODE