Rare Sighting: Bobcat Seen on Trail Camera in Shasta-Trinity National Forest

A recent sighting of a bobcat captured on one of Shasta-Trinity National Forest’s game cameras has sparked local intrigue. Bobcats, known for their territorial behavior and elusive nature, have been making their presence felt in the region.

These feline creatures, often mistaken for lynx due to their similar habitats, have a distinct territorial behavior. A male bobcat’s territory can span a vast 30 square miles, while females maintain a more compact domain of around 5 square miles.

While bobcats and lynx share a resemblance, they have unique characteristics that set them apart. Although both belong to the same genus, bobcats are typically smaller. Lynx, usually found in northern Canada with some venturing as far south as Oregon, can reach heights of about 2 feet and weigh between 18 to 60 pounds.

A bobcat will use their hind feet to kick back a pile of leaf litter and dirt. This creates a shallow hole with a small mound behind it. The bobcat then marks the mound with urine, and sometimes scat. So if you see any of these indicators along the trail, a bobcat may be in the region.