B
is for
Bobcat—these highly
adaptable creatures can be found throughout the continental United States, and here
in Arizona they range from the desert lowlands clear on up to the whispering
pines in the north. Smaller than the Mountain Lion, Bobcats have uniquely
pointed, blacked-tipped ears, distinctive spots and of course, the bobbed
tail. They lead solitary lives (except
when mating) and pretty much remain out of sight unless they’re sick or hungry.
They are prone to the rabies virus and can become quite aggressive when
afflicted, (best advice if confronted is to stand tall, jump up and down and by
all means, yell your head off!), and
they’re known to devour small pets when natural resources run low. In their
defense, I’ve only had them stopping by for a drink out of the dog’s water bowl
in especially dry summers…
These
dangerously cute little fellas were really making the news not long ago because
they seemed to be infiltrating neighborhoods at an alarming pace. For a time there
was talk of relocating them. But the
talk soon turned to land conservation, whereby restoring the natural resources
which support the wildlife habitats.
Next thing
ya know, they are re-introducing Bighorn Sheep to
the Santa Catalina Mountains to assist
in the conservation effort and replenish a once abundant amount of Bighorns
meandering through the mountains. (Before
the mass-construction era, they were quite
plentiful and could often be seen near canyon trails in the early mornings or
evenings.) The jury is still out, but a huge debate began after the occurrence
of a couple of highly controversial events ; it seems that mountain lions
preyed on a couple of Bighorns (unforeseen?)
and the agency responsible for the Bighorns responded by shooting the mountain
lion (s). How did they know who to
shoot? Did they use a breathalyzer?
Update: All
is quiet of late, no less than fifteen Bighorn lambs have been spotted, there
haven’t been any further big cat shootings and no one even talks about the Bobcats anymore!
How’s the
wildlife in your area?
When I lived in Northern California there were all these advisories about mountain lions and what you should do if you came across one. Um...how about run??? And the horns on that bighorn sheep are enough to make me never want to come across one ever in life.
ReplyDeleteHa, ha! The Bighorns have the sweetest big old eyes and they're more wary of us than we should be of them. Mountain lions, well that's a different story! But if you run they'll usually give chase so pretend you're a giant, wave your arms wildly and yell like crazy!
ReplyDeleteBobcats were always a favorite wildcat of mine. In Florida, you can sometimes see a Bobcat in heavily wooded areas. When I was a kid, I saw one once where I lived, before more houses were built. I was playing in the driveway and he crossed the street neat the stop sign. I ran inside to tell my dad but the Bobcat was long gone.
ReplyDeleteI think the kitties I rescued that were born outside my old apartment complex may be part Bobcat because my Cole (the black one) has the same face shape and long hair on the sides of his neck like the one in the picture.
Yeah, human encroachment seems to be harming wildlife everywhere these days.So sad.
DeleteCole sounds beautiful! I envy you; being owned by cats :-) had quite a few as a kid and sure miss them.