Can you spot the mammal here? No? Well…yes, you cannot find it because it is not there, but it has left its mark…literally. What do you see? This is a Bobcat scratching post and resting area, the bark stripped away by sharp claws. You can see the lines that have been carved into the wood. It is conveniently located over a pool of water, making it harder for anything to sneak up on the bobcat when it is at rest. It almost seemed similar to a place one of our pet cats would like to enjoy a snooze on!
Nearby we found this pile of scat, also Bobcat. If you have a cat at home that may help you recognize what species it came from as well. I think what I have scooped out of many litter boxes over the years does resemble what you see here, and though the consistency is a bit different the form is very similar.
These photos show you why it is so important to have very soft eyes while in the forest. Even if you are not fortunate enough to run into a Bobcat you may still be able to “spot” one thanks to all the subtle (and, um, less subtle) signs it leaves behind.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
