Bobcat (Lynx rufus) Home Range Size and Habitat Use in Northwest Wisconsin

Abstract

Bobcats were radio-tagged and monitored to estimate and compare annual and seasonal patterns in home range size and habitat use in northwestern Wisconsin. Annual and seasonal male home ranges extensively overlapped those of other males and females, whereas females maintained more exclusive areas. Annual male home ranges (60.4 km2 ? 23.4 kM2) were 112% larger than those of females (28.5 km2 + 3.7 kM2). Females expanded and contracted their home ranges seasonally; the largest home ranges occurred in winter. Males shifted similar-sized ranges seasonally resulting in larger annual ranges. Male bobcats selected lowland conifer forests, and avoided upland conifer stands, upland deciduous forest and mixed savanna cover-types. Females exhibited similar preferences but also selected for lowland deciduous forests and avoided unforested areas. Seasonal shifts in habitat use were evident for males and females; both used lowland conifer stands more, and unforested areas and upland deciduous forests less, in winter. The selection of lowland coniferous forests by males and females during all seasons suggest these areas are important range components