by Kier Junos, Contributor
Earlier springs and reduced snow packs might be encouraging bobcats to move into more areas of B.C., according to a University of British Columbia Okanagan researcher who is trying to map the current provincial distribution of bobcats and lynx.
“Bobcats have moved northwards and into higher elevations,” said TJ Gooliaff.
B.C. conservation officer Don Stahl said sightings happen “fairly regularly” in Abbotsford. Most sightings in the city tend to be in the Whatcom Road area and other parts of east Abbotsford.
“What attracts them into residential areas is they’re generally after grey squirrels,” said Stahl. “We’ve always had a very healthy bobcat population up here.”
Lynx, on the other hand, aren’t in the area at all. Stahl said they’re more likely to be in Hope, if there are any in the region.
Gooliaff is asking the public for photos of bobcats and lynx accompanied with latitude and longitude or UTM coordinates – or the nearest town or landmark including the distance and direction from them – and the dates of when the photos were taken.
Gooliaff said bobcats and lynx have been historically separated by snow depth. Lynx have long legs and large paws which make them suited for deep snow, while bobcats are heavier, have smaller feet and will typically sink in the snow.
Photos can be emailed to tj.gooliaff@ubc.ca
