Point Reyes is famous as a place to come and see bobcats (Lynx rufus). This is where I will share encounters with this shy and most beautiful wild cat.
When observing the wildlife at Point Reyes I get to see snippets of behavior between species. Most involve predator prey interactions or what is called circle of life. Recently I was watching a bobcat hunt. He had worked his way up a hillside close to a herd of tule elk. After picking a gopher hole reasonably close to them he hovered over the top waiting for his opportunity to pounce on a rodent. Watching him through binoculars I did not pay any attention to the elk. That is until one appeared in the glass running. I dropped the binos and grabbed the camera as a bull elk came charging at the bobcat. He really did seem to want a piece of that cat! Now I’m sure you like me are looking at the size difference in this photo and wondering what the heck is this big guy worried about? I’ve got no answers, maybe some assumptions but whatever I think was happening doesn’t matter. The elk chased him off and returned some distance back to his mates. The things you see!
Elk chasing off bobcat
Wanted to share this quick video of a Bobcat hunting a Pocket Gopher at Point Reyes National Seashore. This bobcat had tried three times previously before finally getting lucky on this attempt. Scaled the video up a bit for smaller screens but best seen on computer or Apple TV or similar.
Bobcats when hunting are not always successful. In fact it can take a cat much time intensely watching for prey to make a move. I invite you to watch what I live to see. Here the bobcat is hunting gophers. I like gophers but I’m cheering for the cat 100%. This is a hunt that lasted about an hour compressed to 2 mins. It is peaceful and you feel for the hungry animal looking for his meal. The next video I will post takes you on a hunt and successful kill. Stay Tuned!
