Adams Soil and Water Conservation District

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CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE BOBCAT KIND

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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.

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Adams SWCD
welcomes
Tabby Arnold

Adams SWCD has hired Tabby Arnold as our Conservation Technician. Tabby graduated from West Virginia University in 2019 with a Bachelors degree in Animal Nutrition Science. She moved back to Adams County in May of this year. Tabby is looking forward to meeting the ag community as she begins her career with Adams Soil and Water.

Twas the month before Christmas and all thru the office
We all appeared healthy from being so cautious
The doors were all locked and boarded up tight
No customers were entering because of the fright
The office now looks like a plexiglass city
Due to the rules of the COVID committee
The staff was not mingling, had a standoff-ish persona
In hopes they would not get the nasty corona
No handshakes, no small talk, all quiet instead
‘Maintain 6 foot distance’ so the virus won’t spread
The numbers dictate in what stage we should be
But are we now gated, phase 1, 2 or 3?
The norm is now face masks, gloves or a visor
Our hands are all chapped from so much sanitizer
Our workload is different, new tasks we assign
Because of the orders from Governor Dewine
A cough or a sneeze, or even congestion
Will get you some time off with nary a question
We wait for the day when the curse has been lifted
And germs from corona are no longer transmitted
Until then we’ll get by the best that can be
Merry Christmas to you from Adams SWCD

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