The bobcat, Lynx rufus, is the most abundant spotted cat in North America. This nocturnal hunter has been the topic of concern when discussing and debating the Management Plan for Bobcats in New York State. The Department of Conservation (DEC) wants to extend the hunting season, in designated areas,where viable populations exist.
According to the DEC website, “a bobcat population is now estimated to be five thousand” and “up to 20 percent of the current population could be killed by hunters and trappers each year without hurting the population.”
Opposition to the Management Plan, are unsure of the stability to the population if the trapping and/or hunting season is extended. Yet, supporters of the Plan reiterate the growing population and diligence to monitor the distribution and relative abundance.
As I took the time to read the Management Plan I can see both the cons and the pros. To find a balance between nature and human encroachment, by way of residential development, is difficult in its own right. Further data collection will contribute in understanding the success of this management plan and ensure that the Bobcat will remain an essential part in New York State’s wildlife heritage.
I think the adirondacks have a low population of wildlife…It has nothing to do with the human population or the human encroachment. It has everything to do with the lack of food for wildlife. If you let trees grow without management they create a canopy. This in turn cuts off the light sourse needed for under growth to grow. Without this there is no stabile enviroment for small animals to flourish. Things like mice and rabbits even deer are non existant…. why cause they need under growth for food and shelter. Without the smaller animals thriving the larger wont last.I grew up in the northwestern adirondacks as time goes on.. I see alot less animals…if you think the bobcats are going to make it think again
I respectfully disagree with DEC this time. Not enough is known about this secretive beast, and as a resident of Childwold, NY, I think we have more than enough hunting seasons already, without adding another one. I am particularly disturbed at the current snowshoe hare hunt, where packs of well fed beagles are set loose in the winter forest to run down hares that are winter weakened and just trying to hang on till Spring.
Thomas
Thank you Thomas for your comment. I, also, respectfully disagree with the DEC’s decision in this matter. I feel that there is not enough information about the population count and needs further review prior to extending the hunting and/or trapping season.
Do people actually EAT Bobcat? If not, then I don’t get why folks would hunt this gorgeous animal except for a “prize”, which to me is unacceptable if that’s the case.
As much as I hate the thought of hunting bobcats, I hate the thought of overpopulation causing disease and starvation even more. Do bobcats have a predator in the Adirondacks? What do they eat? Are they wiping out other native or non native species. If so is this a good thing? Are they creating balance or unbalance? Lots of questions and hopefully they and others I have not thought of will be answered before any action is taken.
i am not certain I agree with the DEC on this issue. I live in the Adirondacks and spend an appreciable amount of time in the woods, and I see no indication of over-population or nuisance status of bobcats. I see no reason to hunt these magnificent symbols of the wild forest.
Thanks for the update on The future of Lynx rufus – Start The Conservation: An Adirondack Environmental Blog – Richard Mullet