The state’s climate also varies depending on location, causing rich biodiversity. Twenty species of marine mammals live in the coastal waters of New Jersey, and there are close to forty native non-game land mammal species that do as well. Bobcats are among the most common wild cats in American forests. They thrive well in most states; they are even hunted legally in some areas, but not in every state. Some states have a dwindling bobcat population, and in some areas, they are endangered. This article discusses everything you need to know about bobcats in New Jersey.
Are There Bobcats in New Jersey?
The bobcat is a native wild cat that has historically been present in every county of New Jersey. The wild cat species is officially considered the state’s largest. However, as woods were cut down for agriculture, logging, and other purposes in the 1800s, their population fell, and by the early 1970s, it was believed that bobcats had gone extinct in the state altogether. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, there were sporadic reports of bobcats being killed on highways, and in June 1991, the species was officially categorized as endangered in New Jersey. Currently, bobcat sightings in northern New Jersey seem to be on the rise, but in the state’s central and southern regions, sightings are still extremely scarce. The state is unsure of the exact size of the bobcat population today because they are difficult to spot and identify, but some estimates place the number at 250 to 280. In New Jersey, the bobcat continues to be considered endangered until today.
History of Bobcats in New Jersey
Historically, bobcats were widespread in New Jersey. Like in other states, bobcats used to be present in every county, wandering inside their preferred habitat. But that was until human settlements disrupted most of their dens, and bobcat hunting lessened their population alarmingly. Bobcats experienced difficult circumstances after European settlement. Early settlers killed and trapped them for their fur, and land use patterns changed in ways detrimental to bobcats. The tremendous deforestation that took place in the state at the turn of the century was the worst blow to the formerly large population. The bobcat’s habitat was disrupted due to the clearing of forests for agriculture and the production of lumber, fuel, and charcoal. Roads, construction, and human population growth in New Jersey all contributed to further habitat fragmentation for bobcats. Between 1978 and 1982, twenty-four bobcats were captured in Maine and reintroduced in northern New Jersey as part of a restoration experiment run by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. The state aimed to bring back bobcats to help restore natural ecosystems. As a result of this experiment, bobcat sighting reports started to rise in the 1990s. Currently, more bobcat reports are coming out of northern New Jersey. However, the number of bobcats killed on roads is regrettably increasing.
Where Do Bobcats Live in New Jersey?
The entirety of the Garden State used to be within the bobcat’s range. Today, bobcats are only found in the northern counties due to extensive deforestation, development, and modifications in farming practices in the late 1800s and early 1900s, among other things. Although there have been sporadic new sightings from Bergen and Hunterdon counties, as well as the first confirmed encounter from Mercer county in decades, the majority of sightings today still originate from Sussex, Passaic, Warren, and Morris counties. The bobcat is the most widely dispersed native wild cat in North America. Throughout their natural range, bobcats have been observed living in various habitats, including mountain woodlands, coniferous forests, swamps, deserts, and occasionally suburban areas.
Bobcat Population in New Jersey
Since bobcats are elusive and nocturnal, their exact population count is difficult to determine. But recent sightings have led to estimates of about 250 to 280 individuals, with a maximum number of 400. The bobcat was once abundant and common in the Garden State, present in every county, but it became extremely rare. The population now seems to be increasing, possibly to the point where the species would no longer be considered endangered. However, due to the search for possible dens under fallen logs, rock crevices, and thick tangles of vegetation, bobcats may wander across roads and fall victim to vehicular accidents. For instance, the confirmed number of bobcats killed by vehicles in 2019 was 15, the highest number ever observed. More than 70% of bobcats hit by cars in New Jersey are under 2 years old. This is probably because young cats are typically dispersed over great distances in search of their own territory, often crossing numerous roads and new habitats. In 2018, a den with three bobcat kittens was discovered in a thicket in Morris County, which scientists say is an “extremely rare” phenomenon. The kittens’ eyes had just opened and might have only been a few days old. They were identified as bobcats rather than wild domestic cats by the NJDFW, and they deployed wildlife cameras in the area. However, no bobcat signs have been found there since the discovery.
Are Bobcats Dangerous?
Humans are more dangerous to bobcats than they can be to humans. Since bobcats are shy, elusive animals, they are more likely to evade humans than confront them. However, these felines are more inclined to visit your property if food is nearby. They are not a nuisance, although they occasionally prey on smaller livestock like goats or poultry.
Up Next:
10 Incredible Bobcat Facts Discover 8 Extinct Animals That Lived in New Jersey Discover the 8 Best National Parks in New Jersey
