The status and dynamics of the bobcat population in Virginia

Abstract

Age and reproductive data from 67 bobcat carcasses and lower jaws were collected during the 1979-80 and 1980-81 trapping seasons. Sex and age data on 41 additional bobcats taken in the 1977-78 and 1978-79 trapping seasons were provided by the Virginia Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries. The mean age from the 4-year pooled sample was 2.83 ± 0.24 (S.E.) years, with 25% juveniles, maximum age 12 years, and sex ratio approximately 1:1. Scent-station survey data did not parallel harvest records except in Region IV (Piedmont) where both were increasing. No correlation between bobcat pelt prices and harvest was established but bobcat harvest was correlated with prices of fox and raccoon pelts (r=0.87 and 0.81 respectively, p ≤ 0.10). License sales were not correlated with bobcat harvests. Bobcat harvests were inversely related to precipitation in 3 regions and to snow and sleet in another region. Mail survey responses indicated that most sportsmen (56%) believed bobcats to be increasing and 20% believed the population to be stable. The majority of Game Wardens (89.7%) reported that they thought the population to be stable or increasing. The survey indicated that 69.1% of the bobcats trapped are taken incidentally to trapping for other species. Taxidermists reported receiving 13-16% of the annual harvest. Survey responses from the Game Wardens and tag records indicated that bobcats occur almost statewide. Northampton Counties and may be increasing their range. Models based on population characteristics suggest that the population is at best stable and probably declining.