Bobcat
Diseases: Bobcats have been known to contract rabies. (Massachusetts had a
case in July, 2003 see Tests confirm bobcat that attacked Greenfield residents
was rabid By Associated Press, 7/23/2003 08:50 GREENFIELD, Mass. (AP)
Bobcats are not typically the cause of property damage. However, it occassionally
happens.
 Bobcat
Trapping Video
Bobcat Trapping - "The Road to Success" is John's newest video. Learn
from John's experience of trapping bobcats in 5 different states. It covers
such topics as Reading new country, picking locations, simple effective sets,
equipment, and understanding bobcat habits. Also featuring several catches of
beautiful Montana bobcats. Plus "BONUS" Snare footage. Approx. 120
minutes in length.
USDA Press Release
US Fish & Wildlife Service
June 3, 2006
Scientists confirm hybridization of Canada lynx with bobcats in Minnesota
USDA Forest Service scientists at the Rocky Mountain Research Station's Wildlife
Ecology unit's genetics laboratory in Missoula, Montana, discovered through
DNA analysis the first scientific evidence of hybridization between the bobcat
and Canada lynx in the wild.
Forest Wildlife Biologist Ed Lindquist of the Superior National Forest in Northeastern
Minnesota collected tissue and hair samples from 19 cats believed to be Canada
lynx. Two of the cats had external physical characteristics resembling both
species. Lindquist asked the research scientists to conduct DNA analysis to
confirm species identification.
Dr. Michael Schwartz, leader of the genetics laboratory, designed a test to
detect hybridization between lynx and bobcats. Analysis of the 19 cats' DNA
identified three hybrids. All three were from male bobcats mating with female
lynx. This is the first scientifically confirmed hybridization reported in wild
populations of these species.
As a result of this finding, the Forest Service has already conducted a DNA
analysis of most of the lynx hair samples collected as part of the national
lynx survey to help determine if hybridization has occurred elsewhere. So far,
no additional instances of hybridization have been detected.
Because so little is known about lynx and lynx ecology, further research is
needed to determine what implications these findings may have on lynx conservation.
Dr. Len Ruggiero, leader of the wildlife ecology research unit in Missoula,
states that additional analysis is needed to determine the extent of hybridization.
Additional hair and tissue samples will be collected where Canada lynx and bobcat
populations are known to overlap. DNA samples from bobcats in those areas should
also be studied to identify hybrids.
The Forest Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service will continue to use the
Lynx Conservation Assessment and Strategy to guide conservation of the lynx
on federal lands. These guidelines identify actions that will reduce or eliminate
harmful effects or risks to lynx and its habitat.
"We are interested in factors which may contribute to the occurrence of
hybridization, what the long-term impacts on the lynx populations may be, and
how this may affect future recovery efforts," Fish & Wildlife Service
Regional Director Ralph Morgenweck said, after learning about the hybridization.
"The Fish & Wildlife Service will closely follow future studies to
determine the extent of hybridization and its impacts on lynx conservation."
The Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which administers
the Endangered Species Act, listed the Canada lynx in the United States as threatened
in March 2000, in portions of the lower 48 states. A threatened species is one
that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future in all or a significant
portion of its range.
Note to editors: Questions and Answers regarding this issue can be viewed at:
http://www.r6.fws.gov/endspp/lynx/
For additional information contact:
Questions about Lynx Conservation Agreement, listing status, research application
Fish and Wildlife Service: Diane Katzenberger 303-236-7917 x408 or Lori Nordstrom,
406-449-5225 x208
Science Questions: DNA analysis, hybridization, lynx ecology Forest Service,
Research & Development: Dave Tippets (PAO), 801-625-5434 or Len Ruggiero,
406-524-4160
Lynx Conservation Strategy and National Lynx Survey Questions Forest Service,
National Lynx Survey: Ed Nesselroad (PAO), 406-240-8052 or Kathy McAllister,
406-329-3315
Questions about the hybrid cats found in Northern Minnesota Forest Service,
Superior National Forest Kris Reichenbach, (PAO) 218-626-4300, Ed Lindquist,
218-626-4380 or Jim Sanders, 218-626-4302
- Earle, Richard D., Damien M. Lunning, Valerie R. Tuovila and John A. Shivik.
"Evaluating injury mitigation and performance of #3 Victor Soft Catch
traps to restrain bobcats." 31:3(Fall 2003) Wildlife Society Bulletin:
617-629.
Disclaimer: WDC seeks to provide accurate, effective and responsible information
on resolving human/wildlife conflicts. We welcome suggestions, criticisms to
help us achieve this goal. The information provided is for informational purposes
only and users of the information use it at their own risk. The reader must
consult state/federal officials to determine the legality of any technique in
the reader's locale. Some techniques are dangerous to the user and to others.
WDC encourages readers to obtain appropriate training (see our informational
literature at our Store ), and understand that proper animal damage
control involves patience, understanding that not every technique/method works
for every situation or even 100% of the time. Your use of this information is
governed by this understanding.
We welcome potential users of the information
and photos to simply ask for permission via e-mail. Finally, WDC welcomes
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10/26/03
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