News

Bobcat caught on camera in the Turtle Mountains

By Scott Wagar

09/04/2012

For Turtle Mountain residents, Robert and Shelly Spang, they have placed a variety of motion cameras on their land in hopes of photographing a mountain lion. This past week, while checking their cameras, one motion sensor device caught an image which brought excitement to their eyes; however, it wasn’t a mountain lion.

“We have been hoping to catch a picture of the mysterious mountain lion, so at first glance I was like wow we finally got one,” Shelly said. “But then, I saw it was only a bobcat, which is thrilling and scary at the same time.”

Although bobcats were prominent in the Turtle Mountains at one time, the animal has seldom been seen in the area for decades. So, catching the bobcat on camera was an extraordinary opportunity for the Spang family.

“There used to be quite a few around here when I was growing up back in the 70s,” Shelly said. “However, this was the first time we had ever seen a bobcat.”

According to Jonathan Tofteland, game warden for NDGF in the Bottineau area, the bobcat seen in the area is more than likely going to be short lived, because he believes the animal is just traveling through the local area.

“The bobcat is probably just passing through the area. It is a solitary animal and usually active during the dawn and dusk times,” Tofteland said “It usually roams between two and seven miles a day. More than likely it is just on the edges of his territory.”  

Tofteland added that individuals in the area who have domestic or farm animals on their property should keep a close eye on them.

“Their prey is usually rodent sized mammals.  Rabbits are very common prey for them,” he said. “However, they are known to take down some poultry, goats and sheep; and, it is recommended to keep a close eye on small pets or domestic birds if you have them.”

Tofteland added that individuals should also stay away from bobcats when they see them.

“I do not believe there is much of a cause for concern with a bobcat in the area.  It is very rare for them to attack humans,” Tofteland said. “Do not walk up to a bobcat, it wouldn’t be a smart thing to do, and that goes for any wild animal. Just leave them alone.”

If a bobcat does attack a domestic or farm animal, Tofteland said that individuals should not shoot the animal (with the exception of being left with no other choice) but report it to game and fish.

“If they have any problems with bobcats they can contact game and fish department,” Tofteland said. “They are endangered species. So, people should not attempt to kill the animal.”

A bobcat is a North American mammal of the Felidae cat family. Its heritage dates back 1.8 million years ago and can be found in southern Canada to northern Mexico and most of the U.S. continent.

A bobcat inhibits wooded areas, forests edges, swamp land, semi-desert terrain and around urban areas. The bobcat also adapts easily to his surroundings.   

Tofteland stated that bobcats also have distinct features.

“Bobcats are brownish red with dark blotches,” he said. “They also have a white underbelly and shorter fur than a lynx.”  

With a bobcat caught on their camera, Robert and Shelly are pleased, but anxious to see if any more bobcats will show up on their cameras.

“We think that we are very fortunate to get a picture,” Shelly said. “We hope there is more around here.”