Page 29 - May/June 2019 W.C.T. Magazine

considerably and bobcats may spend a month or more in a very small pocket (1-2 acres) if there is a high number of rabbits. When trying to locate bobcats, always consider the time of year and the population of bobcat prey.
Bobcats have a different legal status across their entire range. In most states, bobcats are considered a furbearer, but in general nuisance ‘cats can be removed. Bobcats are common across the southern and some western states and regulations there are less stringent. In fact, there are so many bobcats in Texas that they’re unprotected. However in other states, bobcats may have a strict trapping season, require a permit to trap, and regulations may dictate relocation of nuisance individuals. While definitely not endangered, bobcats (like all cats) are listed under Appendix II of the Convention In Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). And a bobcat pelt requires a CITES tag and states often require additional information (proof of sex, a jaw to be used for aging, exact location of take) for any bobcat taken. As with any wildlife control job, it is important to know and understand the local rules before undertaking any action.
Bobcat calls typically are nuisance calls based on someone sighting a bobcat. There is usually no actual damage and in some cases, people are worried for the safety of the bobcat. They believe the cat should be trapped and relocated so it won’t be killed crossing the street. While their lack of understanding about wildlife is understandable, relocating a bobcat for its own safety isn’t a very good option. Bobcats have a strong territorial affinity and unless you take it a long way (>100 miles), it’s likely to return quickly. In my experience, chasing bobcat sightings around a neighborhood with the intent of finding it to move it is a poor use of my time, even if the neighbors are willing to pay for it.
This is rarely successful and leaves a poor image of my abilities.
Bobcat depredations, on the other hand, are often very successful projects. In more rural neighborhoods, bobcats frequently kill chickens, pigeons, peacocks and ducks. Such depredations are frequently found by the homeowner because of the feathers left by the recently departed. You can often follow a literal trail of feathers to where the bird was eaten and cached. Bobcats will often bury (or cover) the remains after they eat it, which is an unmistakable clue as to the culprit. If it is a large bird, like a turkey or goose, the bobcat may return to the kill for a second feedingandthiscanbeanexcellent place to put a trap.
Nuisance bobcats can be deterred through habitat modification. Opening up vegetation to where rabbits are not comfortable will usually eliminate bobcat sightings. Similarly, removing rodent attractions, such as woodpiles and bird feeders will reduce bobcat visits. Offering these suggestions and services is usually more profitable than chasing rumors around the neighborhood.
MAY - JUNEn27 For depredating bobcats, poultry
owners should have the ability to lock up their birds at night. Secure pens should include solid flashing around the bottom to prevent bobcats (as well as skunks and raccoons) from seeing birds roosting inside. Poultry left outdoors at night will always be at risk and even if you can remove the offending bobcat, another will likely take its place.
Of course, there are times when the bobcat needs to be removed. While there is an entire industry surrounding bobcat trapping for fur, catching depredating or nuisance bobcats is a job for a well-set cage trap. With some states putting restrictions on foothold traps, bobcat-specific cage traps have been developed. These traps are typically taller (16-20”) and narrower than other cage traps and are long enough to permit a ‘cat to enter completely. Guillotine doors are a common feature, as these reduce the necessary overall length. A number of manufacturers produce traps specifically designed for bobcats.
Selecting the location for a cage
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