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- Info
Bobcats in residential areas: Distribution and homeowner attitudes
| Author: |
Harrison, Robert L. |
| Date: |
1998 |
| Periodical: |
The Southwestern Naturalist |
| Abstract: |
Despite the rapid expansion of urban areas in the United States, use of developed areas by native wildlife has not been studied for many species. I used a mail survey to examine characteristics of sightings of bobcats (Lynx rufus) and attitudes of homeowners toward bobcats in three residential areas in New Mexico. Bobcats do use residential areas and will enter the vicinity of houses, including areas with urban-level densities of houses. Over 70% of sightings were <25 m of a house. Sightings were more frequent in winter and in areas with higher densities of houses. Sightings were clustered adjacent to large undeveloped areas. Homeowner attitudes toward bobcats predominantly were positive. Homeowners in two semi-rural areas responded more to the survey and liked the idea of bobcats in their areas more than homeowners in an urban area. |
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