Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Vermont
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

The goal of this study is to evaluate habitat use and movements of bobcats (Felis rufus) in northwestern Vermont in order to direct future conservation actions for this species. In northwestern Vermont, rocky ledges, wetlands, and corridors appear to be important habitat, based on trapper surveys and sightings. As with other species in northwestern Vermont, bobcat habitat is threatened by the rapid pace at which agricultural and forest lands are being developed (Vermont Forum on Sprawl, 1999), which results in loss of potential breeding habitat and loss of habitat connectivity. Additionally, increased traffic volume associated with increased development place bobcats at risk. As a result of these potential threats, a standardized study that investigates basic habitat use and movements in response to land pattern and human activity is needed. The data collected and concomitant analyses will aid in developing a targeted conservation plan that attempts to proactively conserve bobcat habitats. This information will be used conservation planning for the bobcat population in Vermont.