Selection of Winter Habitat by Bobcats (Lynx rufus) on the Quabbin Reservation, Massachusetts

Abstract

Selection of winter habitat by bobcats ( Lynx rufus ) was studied by trailing during winter on the Quabbin Reservation, Massachusetts. A selection index was obtained for 13 cover types by comparing the per cent of kilometers traveled in a cover type with its per cent occurrence. Roads, cliffs, spruce plantations, and hemlock-hardwoods had the highest index values. Information on prey abundance and distribution, food habits, hunting and feeding methods, snow avoidance behavior, and general environmental conditions were used to explain selection in each cover type.