Kristel Guimara Hello everyone and welcome! My name is Kristel Guimara and I currently live in the beautiful northern Adirondacks. I have my Bachelor's degree in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science from Paul Smith's College located in Paul Smith's NY. Currently, I am in my second year of graduate school pursuing my Master's Degree in Conservation Biology from Green Mountain College in Poultney VT. I am currently researching the effects of black carbon concentration in the Adirondack snowpack which will be compared to samples taken in the Arctic Regions. This I hope will continue beyond my thesis requirement.
The bobcat, Lynx rufus, is the most abundant spotted cat in North America. This nocturnal hunter has been the topic of concern when discussing and debating the Management Plan for Bobcats in New York State. The Department of Conservation (DEC) wants to extend the hunting season, in designated areas,where viable populations exist.
According to the DEC website, "a bobcat population is now estimated to be five thousand" and "up to 20 percent of the current population could be killed by hunters and trappers each year without hurting the population."
Opposition to the Management Plan, are unsure of the stability to the population if the trapping and/or hunting season is extended. Yet, supporters of the Plan reiterate the growing population and diligence to monitor the distribution and relative abundance.
As I took the time to read the Management Plan I can see both the cons and the pros. To find a balance between nature and human encroachment, by way of residential development, is difficult in its own right. Further data collection will contribute in understanding the success of this management plan and ensure that the Bobcat will remain an essential part in New York State's wildlife heritage.
I think the adirondacks have a low population of wildlife...It has nothing to do with the human population or the human encroachment. It has everything to do with the lack of food for wildlife. If you let trees grow without management they create a canopy. This in turn cuts off the light sourse needed for under growth to grow. Without this there is no stabile enviroment for small animals to flourish. Things like mice and rabbits even deer are non existant.... why cause they need under growth for food and shelter. Without the smaller animals thriving the larger wont last.I grew up in the northwestern adirondacks as time goes on.. I see alot less animals...if you think the bobcats are going to make it think again