Influences of Seasons on Bobcats in Idaho

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Abstract
We studied a bobcat (Felis rufus) population in the Frank-Church River of No Return Wilderness (RNRW), Idaho, during 1982-85, to determine the influences of seasons on bobcat use of space, elevation, habitat, and prey. We fitted 30 of 35 captured bobcats with radio collars and collected 1,372 daytime telemetry locations. Weighted bivariate normal estimates of home-range sizes for 7 resident adults were smaller (P < 0.05) in winter (22.7 km2) than in summer (88.1 km2). In winter bobcats used lower elevations (.hivin.x = 1,365.5 m), south-southwest aspect (61% use), rocky terrain (79% use), and open areas (73% use) where snow depth was less, temperatures were mild, and voles (Microtus spp.), their principal prey, were most abundant. During summer bobcats used higher elevations (.hivin.x = 1,852.6 m) and a variety of forest habitats, timber stand densities, terrain, and aspects. During winters when snow depth was > 20 cm, bobcats were more vulnerable to trapping. We recommend that harvest be controlled and populations closely monitored in areas where bobcat densities are low and where bobcat behavior is influenced by winter conditions.