Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
The bobcat (unless supplanted by the arrival of coyotes
on the island) is the top predator on Kiawah. An excellent
hunter, it is the bobcat that controls our deer population
(eating an estimated 70% of our Island’s fawns) and keeps
the marsh rats in check. Interestingly, although bobcats are
found across North America from southern Canada through
Mexico, their coloring differs depending on their habitat.
They have evolved to provide maximum camouflage within
their surroundings.
The best time to spot bobcats is during their breeding
season in January and February. Typically two or three
kittens will be born to mother bobcats in early April. To date,
Kiawah’s naturalists have tagged 58 bobcats. Although coyotes
and owls may prey on their kittens, by far the largest threat
to our beloved bobcats is human—due both to loss of habitat
and to accidents on our roads. More bobcats are killed on
Kiawah by cars than by any other reason—so please, be sure
to stop for cats!
Photo by Tina Schell
Much less noticeable are our beloved bobcats. I have been
fortunate to encounter several of these elusive creatures—
more than once with camera in hand. The experience that
most resonates for me was actually my first. I was walking
the path between my home on Otter Island Road and the
beach that crosses the Ocean Course pond at hole 13. There,
sauntering casually across the bridge, was my first-ever
bobcat. I remember the feeling of excitement, especially
when he (or she) stopped to study me.
Deciding I was no danger, the cat continued its stroll,
ending up at the white tees of hole 14. I smiled when I heard
that a bobcat with a collar was tracked on holes three and
four and finally settled behind the teeing ground of hole eight
during the PGA tournament. I’m thinking it was my little
friend, or one of its offspring, once again surveying the action
on the course. Although generally shy around humans, bobcats
have been known to make extensive use of our roads, bridges,
and pathways, as they go about their territorial business.
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Naturally Kiawah