All articles tagged with #bobcats
New England residents report a surge in bobcat sightings—especially in Rhode Island (about 1,500 reports in the past year)—reviving discussion of the catamount, the mountain lion long considered extinct in the region, even as officials note the eastern puma was delisted from the endangered list in 2018.
John Hauser has been promoted to head football coach at Ohio University, leading the team to a successful recent run including a bowl victory and strong defensive performances, and is committed to building on this success in the coming years.
Bobcats have made a significant recovery across North America, playing a crucial role in controlling zoonotic diseases by preying on rodents that are efficient disease vectors. Despite facing threats from habitat loss, road traffic, and rodent poisons, bobcats help reduce the spread of diseases like Lyme by being poor disease hosts themselves. While hunting is legal in most U.S. states, California's potential reinstatement of bobcat hunting in 2025 raises concerns about the ecological impact and the importance of these wildcats in maintaining ecosystem health.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) biologist, Mandy Watson, provides insights on bobcat safety and advises practicing general respect by keeping a safe distance and not approaching or feeding the elusive animal. Watson also discusses the coyote population in New York, emphasizing the importance of simple avoidance techniques to ensure safety, such as keeping dogs on a leash, supervising outdoor activities at night, and avoiding feeding pets outside. The DEC recommends protective measures like fencing yards, removing brush and tall grass, and being alert of surroundings to deter coyotes.