Food Habits of the Bobcat in the New England States

Abstract

Thousands of dollars are spent yearly by various New England states to control the bobcat (Lynx rufus) without an adequate knowledge of its ecology. Besides causing expenditure of bounty money, the bobcat is of considerable economic importance. This furbearer is a much sought prize by sportsmen. Also, it is of basic significance to learn the extent of this mammal's predation on small injurious mammals and game species. Hamilton and Hunter (1939), Marston (1942), and others have studied the food habits of the bobcat in the New England states. These investigations found mice, hares, rabbits, deer, squirrels, and porcupines to be the important food items in the bobcat's diet.