Recently, a bobcat was sighted within the city limits of Galena, ILL. This serves as a reflection of the status of the bobcat population regionwide. The last two decades has seen a surge in the population, especially in Northwest Illinois and adjacent Iowa.
The Bobat (Lynx rufus) was once a contemporary of bison, elk, and wolves in the wild pre-settlement times. The changing of the landscape to agriculture and bounty killings in the 1800s led to plummeting populations. High pelt prices, indiscriminate killing and little government protection in the 1900s continued this trend. In the 1980s the Bobcat was thought to be absent from the agricultural Midwest. During the late 1970s Illinois and Iowa placed the Bobcat on their lists of state-threatened species. During the 1990s sightings became more common and by 1996 92 of Illinois’ 102 counties had at least one reported sighting. The Bobcat was removed from the threatened species list in Illinois in 1999 and from Iowa’s in 2003. Iowa is currently conducting its first Bobcat trapping season this fall in over three decades. Wisconsin, always having a stable population in the Northern half of the state, is now experiencing common sightings in the Southern half.
Why is this happening? There are several reasons. First, popularity of trapping and pelting has decreased as has the pelt price for Bobcat. The average pelt price in 1982 was $70.67 in 2003 that price had dropped to $67.23. That has left little encouragement for the trapper. Secondly, several states banned the sport including Illinois, Iowa and Indiana allowing the population to rebound. Third, the threat of Bobcats to farmers has decreased as farms have become less diverse. Fourth, land use has changed as more goverment programs are available to create wildlife habitat and more recreation grounds are purchased. Therefore, the Bobcat can increase its range.
The driftless area offers great habitat for Bobcats. Its steep ravines with small caves offer excellent den opportunities and shelter. Early winter offers the best time to see and hear Bobcats. The males begin to squall and yowl to gain attention of passing females during the night during upcoming mating season. With open woods and a cover of snow one must keep their eyes peeled to catch a glimpse of the wild cat of the Midwest.
http://dnr.state.il.us/orc/wildlife/furbearers/bobcat.htm Illinois DNR Description
http://www.iowadnr.com/wildlife/files/bobcat.html Iowa DNR Description
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