Study: Bobcat population thriving in southern Arizona
Wildlife researchers attached radio collars to several bobcats and studied their movement throughout the Tucson area.
TUCSON, Ariz. — The bobcat population is thriving in southern Arizona as the wild cats continue to adjust to living in Tucson’s more densely-populated neighborhoods, according to a years-long study.
The Bobcats in Tucson Research Project recently published the findings of a study that examined the behavior and movement of several bobcats living west of Tucson.
By attaching radio collars to several captured bobcats, the wildlife researchers were able to geographically track the home ranges of many male and female bobcats.
The researchers concluded that the region’s bobcat population appears to be “stable” with annual bobcat survival rates set at 84% and 85% during the second and third years of the study. The high survival rate suggests most bobcats were living long enough to raise multiple litters of kittens.
The study further noted that some bobcats managed to raise their litters in Tucson’s more urbanized areas
“Tucson’s relatively seamless coexistence with bobcats is unique and should be a point of pride for the city,” the report states. “Unlike other cities, bobcats thrive across the urban area, offering residents a rare glimpse into the lives of these wild native animals.”
A survey conducted by the researchers showed that 90% of respondents had a positive view of encountering bobcats in the Tucson area.
The study additionally documented five instances where a bobcat was killed by a moving vehicle and five other bobcats were killed directly by humans, sometimes to protect livestock.
“Expecting bobcats, highly specialized carnivores, not to hunt free-ranging chickens or urban livestock as prey is unrealistic—they can’t distinguish between wild prey and domestic animals,” the report states.
More info on the study can be found here.