Published: March 02, 2008 05:35 pm            

MARTINO: Number of bobcats is escalating in our state

Reduction in incidental trappings cited for added numbers

They are one of Indiana’s most elusive animals. And chances are if you ever see one, you’ll never forget it.

Bobcats are native to Indiana and although their numbers may be smaller than other types of wildlife, they are on a definite rebound. These wildcats have always inhabited remote reaches of the Hoosier landscape, although their numbers are sparse. They were listed as endangered in 1969 but were removed from that list in 2005. Today they still remain protected under state law.

But, as their numbers increase, so do the areas they inhabit. One of the best indicators of this has been the significant increase in the number of road kills over the past several years.

“Because of their secretive and nocturnal habits, we do not have population estimates,” said Scott Johnson, non-game biologist for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. “It’s just too difficult to accurately estimate their numbers.”

Instead they rely on a more indirect measure such as recording the number of road kills and incidental trappings.

“There has been a sharp increase in these numbers,” Johnson added, noting 27 road kills just last year. “Each year we see this number increase.”

Although these wildcats may not inhabit every part of the state, Johnson says they have been confirmed in 43 of Indiana’s 92 counties. The best chance of seeing a bobcat is in the southwestern portion of Indiana where their numbers appear to be highest. Some of the counties in this area include Pike, Greene, Warrick, Lawrence, Posey and Martin. But sightings have occurred throughout the entire state from the Ohio River to the Michigan border.

To set the record straight, there has never been a confirmed sighting of bobcats in Howard County. The same can not be said about several neighboring counties. Bobcats have been found in Cass County to the north and Carroll County to the west.

Johnson attributes the increase in bobcat numbers to the lack of trapping.

“In the mid 1970s we had close to 30,000 licensed fur trappers in the state,” he explained. “Now we have only about 5,000.”

Johnson believes a reduction in incidental trappings have given the cats a chance to expand. He also noted it is illegal to intentionally trap or possess bobcats.

Johnson also believes the increased number of reports in recent years is due in part to the public’s growing awareness of bobcats and the state’s interest in studying them.

“We want to know about them when found dead along the road,” he said.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources began studying these elusive cats in the mid 1990s. They focused on the areas where bobcats were most frequently seen, mostly in and around the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center in Martin and Lawrence counties. Research soon expanded to live trapping the animals where they could be fitted with radio collars so biologists could begin tracking their movement. In all, 43 bobcats were trapped and 38 were fitted with the high-tech collars.

A bobcat normally occupies a home range of 10 to 30 square miles, but Johnson told of several that traveled great distances.

“We had one cat that was tracked to the outskirts of St. Louis,” he stated. “We also had another that was hit on the road just outside of Lansing, Mich. That was a distance of 294 miles.”

According to Johnson, both were young males probably trying to find a home range they could call their own.

Prime habitat used to be remote, forested regions of the state, but anywhere there is adequate food and cover can be bobcat country. They have been found in second stage growth woods as well as areas with dense brush. Bobcats forage on small to mid-size rodents which primarily include mice, chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits. Although they mainly hunt and travel at night, bobcats can be seen around dawn and dusk.

It wouldn’t be fair to discuss bobcats without mentioning cougars. Although the DNR does occasionally receive reports of sightings, most are unfounded.

“There are no native mountain lions in Indiana,” Johnson stated. “Occasionally people do raise them and one may get loose, but they do not inhabit our landscape. They are considered exotic.”

Tom Hewitt, IDNR District 4 wildlife biologist, which includes Howard and surrounding counties, said he received a report of a cougar stalking deer.

“After we investigated it we found it was only a dog,” he said.

Johnson did say however he could understand how some people could confuse a bobcat for a cougar given the variations in the smaller cat’s markings which can vary tremendously.

“We have photographs taken with trail cameras and some do resemble cougars,” he added. “The spotting can be dark and distinct in one cat while others may carry no spots at all.”

Bobcats are small, ranging in weight from 15 to 25 pounds. They vary in length from 30 to 40 inches and stand rarely more than 2-feet tall. Their fur is reddish brown above and whitish below. They normally have black streaks or spots throughout their coat.

The two main identifying characteristics include large tufts of fur on the cheeks and as their name implies, they also sport a short 4- to 5-inch stubby tail.

Funding for bobcat research is derived primarily from contributions made to the non-game wildlife fund on Indiana’s state income tax form.

Handmade game calls

In an effort to generate needed funding for children who will take part in this year’s Freedom Hunt, a raffle is currently being conducted by local businessman Steve Griffey. The items being offered are seven handmade game calls by craftsmen from Indiana and Missouri. Total cost for these calls exceed $400. These are working calls and are intended to be used in the field.

The person purchasing the winning ticket takes all seven calls. The package includes a box call and four pot style turkey calls. A handmade deer grunter and duck call also go to the winner.

Tickets are $5 each or five tickets for $25 and can be purchased at Griffey Contracting at 1499 S. Dixon Rd.

The Freedom Hunt provides children with special needs an opportunity to enjoy a weekend of supervised camping and hunting during Indiana’s special youth only deer hunting weekend.

Crappie tournaments

For the first time, Kokomo Marine will host four crappie tournaments this coming season. The first event is scheduled for April 20 on Mississinewa Reservoir. The take-off location will be the Miami boat ramp. Another will be conducted May 4 at Salamonie Reservoir utilizing the Dora ramp. All tournaments will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Two more contests will take place this fall.

Tournament format will include a two-person team only with a 100 percent payback. Additional details may be obtained by contacting Carlos Padilla, tournament director, at (765) 419-9074.

John Martino is the Tribune’s

outdoors columnist. He may be reached through the sports

department.

        

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