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Coyotes (Canis latrans) are novel predators throughout the southeastern United States and their depredation of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) neonates may explain observed declines in some deer populations in the region, but direct evidence for such a relationship is lacking. Our objective was to quantify neonate survival rates and causes of mortality at the United States Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS), South Carolina to directly evaluate degree of predation in this deer population. From 2006 to 2009, we radio-monitored 91 neonates captured with the aid of vaginal implant transmitters in pregnant adult females and opportunistic searches. Overall Kaplan-Meier survival rate to 16 weeks of age was 0.230 (95% CI ¼ 0.155-0.328), and it varied little among years. Our best-fitting model estimated survival at 0.220 (95% CI ¼ 0.144-0.320). This model included a quadratic time trend variable (lowest survival rate during the first week of life and increasing to near 1.000 around week 10), and Julian date of birth (survival probability declining as date of birth increased). Predation by coyotes was the most frequent cause of death among the 70 monitored neonates that died, definitively accounting for 37% of all mortalities and potentially accounting for as much as 80% when also including probable coyote predation. Predation by bobcats (Felis rufus) accounted for 7% (definitive) to 9% (including probable bobcat predation) of mortalities. The level of coyote-induced mortality we observed is consistent with the low recruitment rates exhibited in the SRS deer population since establishment of coyotes at the site. If representative of recruitment rates across South Carolina, current harvest levels appear unsustainable. This understanding is consistent with the recent declining trend in the statewide deer population. The effects of coyote predation on recruitment should be considered when setting harvest goals, regardless of whether local deer population size is currently above or below desired levels, because coyotes can substantially reduce fawn recruitment. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

We investigated the role of water features as focal attractors for gray foxes (Urocyon ciner- eoargenteus), coyotes (Canis latrans), and bobcats (Felis rufus) in west Texas to determine if they were foci for interspecific interaction. Mixed effects models indicated that species partitioned use of water features spatially and temporally. Linear models indicated factors influencing relative activity at water features varied by species. For coyotes and bobcats, the water availability model, containing days since last rainfall and nearest-neighbor distance to water was best supported by the data, with relative activity increasing with time between rainfall and distance between waters. For gray foxes, the best approximating model indicated that relative activity was inversely correlated to coyote and bobcat activity indices, and positively correlated to topographical complexity. Encounters between carnivore species were low, with most occurring between coyotes and gray foxes, followed by coyotes and bobcats, and bobcats and gray foxes. These findings suggest a behavioral-environmental mechanism that may function to modulate resource partitioning by carnivores in the arid West. 2011 The Wildlife Society.

A review of medical records and necropsy reports from 1979-2003 found 40 neoplasms in 26 zoo felids, including five lions (Panthera leo, two males and three females), three leopards (Panthera pardus, two males and one female), one jaguar (Panthera onca, female), 11 tigers (Panthera tigris, three males and eight females), two snow leopards (Panthera uncia, one male and one female), two cougars (Felis concolor, one male and one female), one bobcat (Felis rufus, male), and one cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus, female). Animals that had not reached 3 yr of age or had been housed in the collection less than 3 yrs were not included in the study. Neoplasia rate at necropsy was 51% (24/47), and overall incidence of felid neoplasia during the study period was 25% (26/103). Neoplasia was identified as the cause of death or reason for euthanasia in 28% (13/47) of those necropsied. Neoplasms were observed in the integumentary-mammary (n=11), endocrine (n=10), reproductive (n=8), hematopoietic-lymphoreticular (n=5), digestive (n=3), and hepatobiliary (n=2) systems. One neoplasm was unclassified by system. Multiple neoplasms were observed in 11 animals. Both benign and malignant neoplasms were observed in all systems except for the hematopoietic-lymphoreticular systems where all processes were malignant. Of the endocrine neoplasms, those involving the thyroid and parathyroid glands predominated (n=8) over other endocrine organs and included adenomas and carcinomas. In the integumentary system, 63% (7/11) of neoplasms involved the mammary gland, with mammary carcinoma representing 83% (6/7) of the neoplasms. The rates of neoplasia at this institution, during the given time period, appears to be greater than rates found in the one other published survey of captive felids.

Few researchers have developed large-scale habitat models for sympatric carnivore species. We created habitat models for red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ), coyotes ( Canis latrans ) and bobcats ( Lynx rufus ) in southern Illinois, USA, using the Penrose distance statistic, remotely sensed landscape data, and sighting location data within a GIS. Our objectives were to quantify and spatially model potential habitat differences among species. Habitat variables were quantified for 1-km 2 buffered areas around mesocarnivore sighting locations. Following variable reduction procedures, five habitat variables (percentage of grassland patches, interspersion–juxtaposition of forest patches, mean fractal dimension of wetland patches and the landscape, and road density) were used for analysis. Only one variable differed ( P

From May 1997 to July 1999, 24 gray foxes Urocyon cinereoargenteus were radio-marked and their fates monitored in a natural area of southern California to identify rates of survival and cause-specific mortality, and thus to assess population sustainability. Pup (0.4–1.0 years old) foxes had an 8-month (September–April) survival rate (0.34) that was lower than the 8-month (0.77) or 12-month (0.58) estimates for adult foxes. Interference competition was evident; 92% (11/12) of fox mortalities were the result of predation by sympatric coyotes Canis latrans or bobcats Felis rufus . Also, five of seven gray fox mortalities were outside of, or on the border of, the home range of the killed fox. Calculations indicated that the fox population would remain stable if survival of pups during their first 4 months of life was 0.68 ( vs 0.75 for adults during these months and 0.58 for older pups for 4 other months). This seems reasonable, yet sympatric carnivores, mainly coyotes, clearly influence the gray fox population in southern California.

We documented adult mortality and fawn recruitment of Sonoran pronghorn (Antilocapra americana sonoriensis) in Arizona. This population is endangered (N

International audience; Bartonella henselae is the main agent of cat scratch disease in humans and domestic cats are the main reservoir of this bacterium. We conducted a serosurvey to investigate the role of American wild felids as a potential reservoir of Bartonella species. A total of 479 samples (439 serum samples and 40 Nobuto strips) collected between 1984 and 1999 from pumas (Felis concolor) and 91 samples (58 serum samples and 33 Nobuto strips) collected from bobcats (Lynx rufus) in North America, Central America and South America were screened for B. henselae antibodies. The overall prevalence of B. henselae antibodies was respectively 19.4% in pumas and 23.1% in bobcats, with regional variations. In the USA, pumas from the southwestern states were more likely to be seropositive for B. henselae (prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.55, 5.11) than pumas from the Northwest and Mountain states. Similarly, adults were more likely to be B. henselae seropositive than juveniles and kittens (PR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.07, 2.93). Adult pumas were more likely to have higher B. henselae antibody titers than juveniles and kittens (p = 0.026). B. henselae antibody prevalence was 22.4% (19/85) in bobcats from the USA and 33.3% (2/6) in the Mexican bobcats. In the USA, antibody prevalence varied depending on the geographical origin of the bobcats. In California, the highest prevalence was in bobcats from the coastal range (37.5%). These results suggest a potential role of wild felids in the epidemiological cycle of Bartonella henselae or closely related Bartonella species.

Two frozen, raw horse meat-based diets fed to captive exotic felids at Brookfield Zoo were irradiated to determine the extent of microbial destruction and whether radiation treatment would affect consumption and/or fecal consistency in exotic cats. Fifteen cats, two African lions (Panthera leo), two Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica), one Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis), two clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa), two caracals (Felis caracal), one bobcat (Felis rufus), and five fishing cats (Felis viverrinus), housed at Brookfield Zoo were fed nonirradiated and irradiated raw diets containing horse meat with cereal products and fortified with nutrients: Nebraska Brand Feline and/or Canine Diet (Animal Spectrum, North Platte, Nebraska 69103, USA). Baseline data were obtained during a 2-wk control period (nonirradiated diets), which was followed by a 4-wk period of feeding comparable irradiated diets. Feed intake and fecal consistency data were collected. An estimated radiation dose range of 0.5-3.9 kilograys reduced most microbial populations, depending on specific diet and microbe type. Irradiation had no overall effect on either feed consumption or fecal consistency in captive exotic cats, regardless of species, age, sex, or body mass. Data indicate that irradiation of frozen horse meat-based diets (packaged in 2.2-kg portions) result in microbial destruction in these products but that product storage time between irradiation and sampling may also affect microbial reduction. However, irradiation would be an appropriate method for reducing potentially pathologic bacteria in raw meat fed to exotic cats.

During a survey of carnivores and omnivores for bovine tuberculosis conducted in Michigan (USA) since 1996, Mycobacterium bovis was cultured from lymph nodes pooled from six coyotes (Canis latrans) (four adult female, two adult male), two adult male raccoons (Procyon lotor), one adult male red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and one 1.5-yr-old male black bear (Ursus americanus). One adult, male bobcat (Felis rufus) with histologic lesions suggestive of tuberculosis was negative on culture but positive for organisms belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex when tested by polymerase chain reaction. All the tuberculous animals were taken from three adjoining counties where M. bovis is known to be endemic in the free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population. There were two coyotes, one raccoon, one red fox, and one bobcat infected in Alpena county. Montmorency County had two coyotes and one raccoon with M. bovis. Two coyotes and a bear were infected from Alcona County. These free-ranging carnivores/omnivores probably became infected with M. bovis through consumption of tuberculous deer. Other species included in the survey were opossum (Didelphis virginiana), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and badger (Taxidea taxus); these were negative for M. bovis.

We examined the relative roles of dominance in agonistic interactions and energetic constraints related to body size in determining local abundances of coyotes (Canis latrans, 8-20 kg), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus, 3-5 kg) and bobcats (Felis rufus, 5-15 kg) at three study sites (hereafter referred to as NP, CP, and SP) in the Santa Monica Mountains of California. We hypothesized that the largest and behaviorally dominant species, the coyote, would exploit a wider range of resources (i.e., a higher number of habitat and/or food types) and, consequently, would occur in higher density than the other two carnivores. We evaluated our hypotheses by quantifying their diets, food overlap, habitat-specific abundances, as well as their overall relative abundance at the three study sites. We identified behavioral dominance of coyotes over foxes and bobcats in Santa Monica because 7 of 12 recorded gray fox deaths and 2 of 5 recorded bobcat deaths were due to coyote predation, and no coyotes died as a result of their interactions with bobcats or foxes. Coyotes and bobcats were present in a variety of habitats types (8 out of 9), including both open and brushy habitats, whereas gray foxes were chiefly restricted to brushy habitats. There was a negative relationship between the abundances of coyotes and gray foxes (P=0.020) across habitats, suggesting that foxes avoided habitats of high coyote predation risk. Coyote abundance was low in NP, high in CP, and intermediate in SP. Bobcat abundance changed little across study sites, and gray foxes were very abundant in NP, absent in CP, and scarce in SP; this suggests a negative relationship between coyote and fox abundances across study sites, as well. Bobcats were solely carnivorous, relying on small mammals (lagomorphs and rodents) throughout the year and at all three sites. Coyotes and gray foxes also relied on small mammals year-round at all sites, though they also ate significant amounts of fruit. Though there were strong overall interspecific differences in food habits of carnivores (P

Published reports of survival and cause-specific mortality for pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) indicate that mortality differs regionally and seasonally with sex, age and density of pronghorn. Cold winters with deep crusted snow is a primary source of mortality on adult pronghorn, however, predation also can be an important source of adult mortality. We report a visual observation of bobcat (Felis rufus) predation on an adult female pronghorn in northwestern South Dakota.

Minisatellite DNA profiles using the multilocus human probe 33.6 are presented for 27 captive bobcats (Felis rufus) of documented geographic and genetic origins. The results show that 30% of the finger-printing bands present in males are sex linked. The effect of sex on band sharing was attributed to the presence of male-specific hemizygotic bands belonging to a minisatellite cluster located in the nonrecombinant region of the Y chromosome. A combination of mechanisms might drive the dynamics of minisatellite loci and allow different evolutionary rates depending on the recombinational capability of the chromosomal locations involved. We discuss the utility of sex-linked fingerprinting bands as genetic markers for the study and management of bobcats.

Unlike other regions of North America, forested habitats in New England bave increased substantially in the past 100 years. The proportion of land in New Hampshire covered by forests was 47% in 1880 and 87% in 1980. This increase was largely the result of a region-wide abandonment of farms and the subsequent colonization of these lands by second-growth forests. I examined the sequence of farm abandonment, forest colonization and forest maturation that occurred in New Hampshire in relation to changes in the abundance and distribution of a group of forest mammals and birds that have undergone substantial declines. A modeled pattern of secondary succession resulted in the availability of approximately 195,000 ha of early seral habitats (10–25 years after abandonment) from 1905 to 1940. These habitats then mutured into closed-canopy forests by about 1960. Concurrent to the loss of early successional habitats, populations of New England cottontails (Sylvilagus transitionalis) decreased from an apparent continuous distribution throughout 60% of New Hampshire to fragmented populations that occupy less than 20% of the state Bobacts (Felis rufus) responded functionally (S. transitionalis in diet: 1951–1954 = 43%, 1961–1964 = 10%) and numerically (mean annual harvest of bobcats: 1951–1954 = 350, 1965–1969 = 36) to changes in cottontail abundance. Eighteen of 26 species of migratory passerines that nest in the forests of northern New England also declined during the period their populations were monitored (1934–1987). Eight (44%) of the species that declined are associated with early successional habitats, and these species consistently exhibited population declines during the 1950s. The reduction of early successional species may be extended in space and time by current land uses that fragment and isolate patches of habitat. Ownership patterns of forest lands in New England (excluding Maine) reveal 88% private ownership with an average holding of 10 ha. This suggests that large tracts of early successional habitats will be restricted to industrial and state/national forests. Although even-aged management of a portion of these forests may be prerceived as incompatible with area-sensitive and interior species, clustering of clearcuts and maintaining large tracts of mature habitats could sustain diverse populations of forest vertebrates. Resumen: A diferencia de otras regiones en Norte America, los habitats boscosos en Nueva Inglattera se han incrementado substancialmente en los ultimos 100 anos. La proporcion de tierra cubierta por bosques en New Hampshire fue del 47 % en 1880 y del 87% en 1980. Este incremento fue, en gran medida, el resultado de un abandono a nivel regional de granjas y la subsecuente colonizacion de estas tierras por un crecimiento secundario de bosques. Yo examine la secuencia del abandono de las granjas, la colonizacion de los bosques y la maduracion de los bosques que ha ocurrido en New Hampshire en relacion con los cambios en la abundancia y distribucion de un grupo de mamiferos y pajaros que han sufrido declinaciones substanciales. Un patron modelado de sucesion secundaria resulto en la disponibilidad de aproximadamente 195,000 ha de habitats serales tempranos (10–25 anos despues del abandono) entre 1905 y 1940. Subsecuentemente, hacia 1960, estos habitats, maduraron hacia bosques de canopeo cerrado. Conjuntamente con la pardida de habitats sucesionales tempranos, las poblaciones de conejos (Sylvilagus transitionalis) de Nueva Inglaterra decrecieron de una distribucion aparentemente continua a traves del 60% de New Hampshire, a una poblacion fragmentada que ocupa < 20% del estado. Los “bobcats” (Felis rufus) respondieron funcionalmente (S. transitionalis en dieta; 1951–54 = 43% versus 1961–64 = 10%) y numericamente (media anual de la captura de Linces: 1951–54 = 350, 1965–69 = 36) a cambios en la abundancia de conejos. Dieciocho de las 26 especies de paserinidos migratorios que anidan en los bosques del norte de Nueva Inglaterra tambien declinaron durante el periodo en que la poblacion fue monitoreada (1934–87). Ocho (44%) de las especies que declinaron estan asociadas con habitats sucesionales tempranos, y estas especies consistentemente exhibieron declinaciones durante los anos 50. La reduccion de especies sucesionales tempranas puede ser extendida (en espacio y tiempo) por los usos actuales de la tierra que fragmentan y aislan los patches de habitat. Los patrones de tenencia de tierra de bosques en Nueva Inglaterra (excluyendo Maine, 88% en manos privadas con una media de tenencia de 10 ha) sugieren que grandes extensiones de habitats sucesionales tempranos van a estar restringidos a usos industriales y reservas estatales/nacionales. Aunque un manejo con stands de la misma edad de porciones de estos bosques puede ser percibido como incompatible con especies sensibles al area y con especies interiores, el agrupamiento de areas taladas y el mantenimiento de grandes extensiones de habitats maduros pueden sustentar poblaciones diversas de vertebrados del bosque.

Intraspecific and intrasexual variation in home range size, body mass and ecological productivity is examined in three selected species of Carnivora (Felis rufus: Canis latrans; Ursus americanus), reflecting different diets. We then compare the intraspecific results with prior cross-species studies. Home range size and body mass inFelis rufus are positively and significantly correlated, similar to other comparative studies. For both intraspecific and intrasexual analyses of all three species, home range size and latitude are strongly correlated. Home range size scales with latitude more steeply as the proportion of meat increases in the diet of each species. That is, the slope of home range size on latitude is greatest in the meat-eatingFelis rufus followed by a shallower slope in the omnivorousCanis latrans and the most shallow slope in the frugivorous/folivorousUrsus americanus. These differences in slope are consistent with models of trophic level biomass change with variation in productivity, and parallel the dietary differences observed in cross-species differences in home range.

A bobcat (Felis rufus) estimated to be 6-mo old exhibited head pressing, stupor, intermittent seizures, and vocalization. Based on gross and histopathologic features, it was diagnosed to have severe focally extensive protozoal meningoencephalitis. Toxoplasma gondii was confirmed as the etiologic agent by an avidin-biotin immunohistochemical test. This is the first report of clinical toxoplasmosis in a free-ranging bobcat.

An 11-mo-old captive-bred male neutered bobcat (Felis rufus) presented with lethargy, anorexia, leukopenia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, and nonregenerative anemia. The animal was diagnosed as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) positive by immunofluorescent antibody and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) testing. It died despite supportive care. Pathologic examination revealed multifocal non-suppurative encephalitis, diffuse interstitial pneumonia, multifocal hepatocellular necrosis, non-suppurative peritonitis, and lymphoid depletion. FeLV was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph node. FeLV-specific gag sequences were amplified by DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and aligned with known domestic cat FeLV's. The source of the virus was speculated to be a domestic cat that was a surrogate nurse. Case reports of FeLV in nondomestic felids are few, and FeLV does not appear to be enzootic in wild felids, except European wildcats (Felis silvestris) in France and Scotland. Introduction of FeLV into free-living and captive nondomestic felid populations could have serious consequences for their health and survival. Measures to prevent the introduction of this virus to nondomestic felids are warranted.

Papillomaviruses (PVs) are highly species- and site-specific pathogens of stratified squamous epithelium. Although PV infections in the various Felidae are rarely reported, we identified productive infections in six cat species. PV-induced proliferative skin or mucous membrane lesions were confirmed by immunohistochemical screening for papillomavirus-specific capsid antigens. Seven monoclonal antibodies, each of which reacts with an immunodominant antigenic determinant of the bovine papillomavirus L1 gene product, revealed that feline PV capsid epitopes were conserved to various degrees. This battery of monoclonal antibodies established differential expression patterns among cutaneous and oral PVs of snow leopards and domestic cats, suggesting that they represent distinct viruses. Clinically, the lesions in all species and anatomic sites were locally extensive and frequently multiple. Histologically, the areas of epidermal hyperplasia were flat with a similarity to benign tumors induced by cutaneotropic, carcinogenic PVs in immunosuppressed human patients. Limited restriction endonuclease analyses of viral genomic DNA confirmed the variability among three viral genomes recovered from available frozen tissue. Because most previous PV isolates have been species specific, these studies suggest that at least eight different cat papillomaviruses infect the oral cavity (tentative designations: Asian lion, Panthera leo, P1PV; snow leopard, Panthera uncia, PuPV-1; bobcat, Felis rufus, FrPV; Florida panther, Felis concolor, FcPV; clouded leopard, Neofelis nebulosa, NnPV; and domestic cat, Felis domesticus, FdPV-2) or skin (domestic cat, F. domesticus, FdPV-1; and snow leopard, P. uncia, PuPV-2).

During a survey for tuberculosis in wild carnivores and omnivores, Mycobacterium bovis was cultured from pooled lymph nodes of three adult female coyotes (Canis latrans) harvested by hunters in Michigan (USA). No gross or histologic lesions suggestive of tuberculosis were seen in these animals. One coyote was taken from Montmorency county and two coyotes from Alcona county located in the north-eastern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula where free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have been found infected with bovine tuberculosis. It is thought that these coyotes became infected with M. bovis through the consumption of tuberculous deer. Other species included in the survey were the opossum (Didelphis virginiana), raccoon (Procyon lotor), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), bobcat (Felis rufus), and badger (Taxidea taxus).

In order to determine the importance of wild felids in the epidemiology of Bartonella spp. infection, 136 Nobuto strips or serum samples from free-ranging mountain lions (Felis concolor) and bobcats (Felis rufus) captured in California (USA) between 1985 and 1996 were tested for B. henselae antibodies (titeror = 1:64) using an immunofluorescence test. Similarly, 124 serum samples from 114 captive wild cats representing 26 species or subspecies collected between 1991 and 1995 were retrieved from the serum banks of four California zoological parks. Fifty-three percent (33/62) of the bobcats, 35% (26/74) of the mountain lions, and 30% (34/114) of the captive wild felids (genera Acinonyx, Panthera and Felis) had B. henselae antibodies. In captive wild felids, prevalence varied widely among the species, but seropositivity was more likely to occur in the genus Felis than in the genus Acinonyx or Panthera. Prevalence was evenly distributed between sexes, except for free-ranging mountain lions. Antibody prevalence ranged from 25% in 0- to 2-yr-old captive felids to 35% in catsor = 9-yr-old, but the highest antibody titers were observed in cats5-yr-old.

Notoedric mange was diagnosed in a free-ranging adult male ocelot (Felis pardalis) found dead in April 1994 in southern Texas (USA). The emaciated carcass had no body fat. The heart was enlarged and flaccid. There was a nonpurulent serosanguineous pericardial and peritoneal exudate. Severe encrusted skin lesions and alopecia extended from the head posteriorly to the shoulders. The forelegs and feet were less severely affected. We observed a massive infection of Notoedres cati in skin scrapings. Epidermal lesions included hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis with necrotic debris and foci of acute inflammatory cells surrounding mites and their eggs in the stratum corneum. There was mild acanthosis and spongiosis of the stratum germativum, but no chronic inflammation in the dermis. This is the first confirmed case in the ocelot, but notoedric manage has been reported from the bobcat (Felis rufus) in southern Texas. Thus, notoedric mange could pose an additional threat to the already endangered remnant population of the ocelot.

Ixodid ticks were present in all 189 samples examined from 53 Florida panthers (Felis concolor coryi, 104 collections) and 85 bobcats (Felis rufus floridana) in Florida (USA) between 1974 and 1991. We identified 3,251 ticks from panthers and 918 from bobcats. Specimens of Dermacentor variabilis, Ixodes scapularis, I. affinis, Amblyomma maculatum, and A. americanum were present on 49, 39, 17, seven, and two of the 53 Florida panthers, respectively, and comprised 36%, 55%, 7%, 1%, and

We immobilized 10 ocelots (Felis pardalis), and 21 bobcats (F. rufus) in south Texas (USA) during March to November 1991 with a mixture of ketamine hydrochloride (KH) and xylazine hydrochloride (XH); two ocelots were immobilized twice. Species were immobilized with (mean +/- SE) 14.7 +/- 1.6 mg KH/kg body mass for ocelots, 13.3 +/- 1.8 mg KH/kg for bobcats, and 1.1 +/- 0.1 mg XH/kg and 1.2 +/- 0.1 mg XH/kg for ocelots and bobcats, respectively. Immobilization times in bobcats were longer (P = 0.08) than in ocelots. Adult female ocelots (18.5 +/- 2.6 mg/kg) needed larger (P0.05) doses of KH than adult males (12.0 +/- 1.7 mg/kg). Bobcats were immobilized during summer with lower initial (8.6 +/- 0.9 mg/kg, P0.001) and total (10.1 +/- 1.3 mg/kg, P = 0.02) doses of KH than bobcats immobilized in winter (14.5 +/- 1.0 mg/kg, and 18.5 +/- 3.8 mg/kg, respectively); summer immobilization times (44.3 +/- 3.8 min) were also shorter (P = 0.03) than during winter (59.1 +/- 5.2 min). Bobcats immobilized during summer had lower (P0.01) initial rectal temperatures (39.4 +/- 0.2 C) than bobcats trapped in winter (41.1 +/- 0.4 C). Overall, we observed no effects of KH-XH dose on body temperature.

Sarcocysts were found in the tongue, diaphragm, heart, intestinal tunica muscularis, and skeletal muscle of bobcats (Felis rufus floridanus) collected in Florida (USA). The tongue was found to be the best indicator tissue for sarcocysts (P less than 0.005). Thirty of 60 bobcats screened were found to contain sarcocysts in at least one of the muscle tissues examined. Of the positive bobcats, 28 of 28 tongues contained sarcocysts, while only 10 of 27 (37%), and 8 of 26 (31%) contained sarcocysts in the diaphragm or cardiac muscle, respectively. Although immune suppression has been suggested as a possible reason for formation of sarcocysts in some carnivores, no such correlation was evident in the bobcats. Comparisons of prey species taken by the panther and bobcat, and overlap of geographical range by the two species leave questions as to the source of infection, and the species of Sarcocystis that is infecting both felids.

A laboratory cat died 12 days after intraperitoneal inoculation of a 1 ml suspension containing 1.5 x 10(6) blood mononuclear cells from a Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi). Gross, histologic and ultrastructural investigations revealed the cause of death to be infection by Cytauxzoon felis, a protozoal parasite known to cause a rapidly fatal disease (cytauxzoonosis) in domestic cats. The bobcat (Felis rufus) has been identified as a natural host for C. felis. This report implicates the Florida panther as another possible host for C. felis.

Two of five bobcats (Felis rufus) from southwestern Arkansas had natural pulmonary infections of Paragonimus kellicotti and Filaroides rostratus. Pairs of P. kellicotti were found in spherical cyst-like structures approximately 1 cm in diameter. Filaroides rostratus were seen as serpentine pale white areas on the pleural surface and also firmly embedded in fibrous capsules in the pulmonary parenchyma. Histologic lesions associated with the presence of these parasites consisted primarily of a verminous bronchitis. Clinical signs or compromised pulmonary function were not associated with these infections.

Identification of mortality sources of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), particularly predation and survival rates, is important for effective management. We captured, radiocollared, and monitored 78 white-tailed deer fawns in northcentral New Brunswick to determine survival and cause-specific mortality from February 1994 through May 1997. Of 50 fawns captured as neonates, 22 died by 30 November 1994-96. Predation by coyotes (Canis latrans; n = 9), black bears (Ursus americanus; n = 5), domestic dogs (Canis familiaris; n = 3), and bobeats (Felis rufus; n = 2) was the largest cause of fawn mortality during summer and autumn, Coyotes were the primary cause of mortality of fawns >7 months old (11 of 15). Fawn survival was lowest during summer (0.47). increased during autumn (0.86) and early winter (0.95), and then declined during late winter (0.76) and spring (0.81). Our results support the hypothesis that coyotes have replaced gray wolves (Canis lupus) in northeastern North America, with survival and mortality rates being comparable between New Brunswick and other areas where wolves and coyotes are sympatric.

Scent-station surveys have been widely used to monitor bobcat (Felis rufus) populations, but relationships between bobcat abundance and the index derived from scent-station surveys have not been validated. In autumn 1988 and 1989 we reintroduced bobcats (n = 31) to Cumberland Island, Georgia. We conducted 15 scent-station surveys during September-February 1988, 1989, and 1990 to obtain scent-station indices (SSI) as we increased bobcat density. We found a positive relationship (r 2 = 0.45, P = 0.0066) between population size and SSI. However, because SSI variance also was correlated positively with SSI, we transformed data to meet the assumption of homoscedasticity for the regression model (r 2 = 0.73, P < 0.001)

Cranial characters of bobcats (Felis rufus) from the eastern United States were examined using univariate and multivariate techniques to assess morphologic variation and to identify relationships among morphologic features and selected environmental variables. The patterns of variation produced using principal component analysis indicated that larger males occurred in northern and eastern localities, whereas N-central localities produced the largest females. The smallest individuals of both sexes occurred in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Comparisons of matrices for overall environmental variation and variation of individual environmental variables with matrices of morphologic variation showed a higher degree of correlation for females than for males. These results suggest that variation in female morphology may be under somewhat different selective constraints than corresponding variation in males.

I measured 11 habitat variables at bobcat (Felis rufus) diurnal loafing sites (n=22) and compared them to random sites (n=22) in southeastern Colorado during 1983-85. Univariate analysis of variables indicated bobcats selected steep-sloped, rocky areas with dense vertical cover and little herbaceous ground cover. Dense vertical cover (>70%) appeared to be the most significant feature of loafing sites, permitting correct classification of 88% of sites

A fatal case of notoedric mange is described in an adult male bobcat, Felis rufus, from south Texas. This cat was extremely weak and emaciated. Skin lesions consisted of greatly thickened, gray encrustations and alopecia of the muzzle, eyes, crown, ears and parietal scalp extending down the neck to the midscapular region of the shoulders. Histologically, there was partial to complete excoriation of the stratum corneum with erosions into the stratum germinativum to the level of the dermis in some areas. Numerous specimens of Notoedres cati (Hering, 1838) were noted, usually in the stratum corneum, sometimes burrowing into the stratum germinativum. A mild dermal inflammatory response consisting principally of neutrophils and round cells was observed. Confirmed notoedric mange with clinical signs similar to the above was also observed by a local veterinarian in three bobcat kittens from the same area. These were treated with a sulfurated lime shampoo followed by VIP dip. Subsequently, they recovered without consequence. These cases emphasize the possibility of notoedric mange as a potential epizootic disease in wild felid populations.

Aortic lesions pathognomonic for Spirocerca lupi were found in 123 of 150 (82%) coyotes. Canis latrans. 23 of 66 (35%) bobcats. Felis rufus, one of five gray foxes, Urocyon cinereoargenteus and one of two red foxes. Vulpes vulpes, examined in West Texas. Adult nematodes in the esophagus were recovered from 11 of 150 (7%) coyotes. In the aorta there was initially an acute inflammatory response followed by an eosinophilic granuloma surrounding larval nematodes. The principal lesion was scarring of the aorta with replacement of clastic tissue with collagen. There was blockage of the intervertebral arteries, pitting and formation of granulomatous nodules on the intimal surface and scarring with diverticula and aneurysms in affected animals. The response to adult nematodes in the esophagus was usually a small eosinophilic granuloma surrounding the worms. There was no evidence of esophageal sarcoma or spondylosis deformans of thoracic vertebrae as reported in the dog.

Hematology and serum chemistry values were determined for 27 (18 male, 9 female) wild-caught bobcats (Felis rufus Schreber) greater than or equal to 1.0 yr old from northcentral Minnesota. Most blood parameters were similar to normal values for both captive bobcats and domestic cats. Deviations from these normals were likely the result of capture stress, nutritional status, and/or reproductive condition.

The prevalence of Sarcocystis in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (O. hemionus) in South Dakota was determined through microscopic examination of tongue samples. The percentage of Sarcocystis infection for both species of deer was determined for prairies east of the Missouri River, west of the Missouri River, and Black Hills of western South Dakota. Sixteen percent (N = 62) of the white-tailed deer tongues from East River, 69% (N = 42) from West River, and 74% (N = 23) from the Black Hills were infected. Prevalence for mule deer was 88% (N = 24), 78% (N = 63), and 75% (N = 12) from East River, West River, and the Black Hills, respectively. Of 50 tongue samples obtained from both species of deer during a special antlerless deer hunt in the Black Hills in 1978, 66% were infected. Coyotes (Canis latrans), dogs (Canis familiaris), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), a gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), bobcat (Felis rufus), and raccoon (Procyon lotor) were fed muscle from white-tailed deer and mule deer naturally infected with Sarcocystis to determine their role as definitive hosts. All coyotes, dogs, and the gray fox shed sporocysts, while none were recovered from the other animals. Sporocysts shed by coyotes were counted and concentrated into an inoculum and administered to a white-tailed deer fawn, which was necropsied 85 days after inoculation. Sections of heart, tongue, esophagus, diaphragm, and skeletal muscle were found to be heavily infected with sarcocysts, while sarcocysts were not detected in a control fawn.

Differences in food habits among age, sex, and weight classes of bobcats have been observed (Fritts and Sealander, 1978; Litvaitis et al., 1984). These differences may reduce intraspecific competition and influence the physical condition of bobcats, especially during periods of prey scarcity or environmental stress. Competition and environmental stress may be pronounced at the northern edge of the range of the bobcat where prey may be limited and winters are severe. The objectives of our study were to determine prey use by bobcats during autumn and winter in Maine, examine bobcat fat deposits during that period, and evaluate the relationships of those parameters to age, sex, and weight of bobcats and to winter severity. Skinned bobcat carcasses (n = 230) were obtained from trappers and hunters throughout Maine during the 1980-81 through 1983-84 harvest seasons (October-February). We recorded the sex and weight of each carcass and estimated the unskinned weight using regression equations (Miller, 1980). Carcasses were then separated into weight classes according to unskinned weights ( 12 kg). Juveniles were identified by the presence of an open apical root foramen in a lower canine. Cementum annuli counts were used to distinguish yearlings from older animals (Crowe, 1975). Visceral fat deposits, including kidney and intestinal fat, were examined to evalute physical condition of bobcats. Each carcass was assigned a numerical rank of fat abundance from 0 to 3, where 0 = no fat and 3 = large fat deposits. To reduce observer variation, the same individual examined the fat deposits of all carcasses. Gastrointestinal tracts were removed and contents separated. Prey remains were identified using a reference collection of hairs, hair scale patterns, and skulls. The frequency of occurrence of each item was based on the presence or absence of the prey item in each carcass. The numeric ranks of visceral fat abundance were compared to sex, age (juvenile, yearling, adult), and weight class. Fat abundance also was compared to a winter severity index (WSI), where

A total of 143 bobcats (Felis rufus) from West Virginia and 10 bobcats from Georgia was examined for parasites and selected infectious agents. A total of 31 species of parasites was recovered including 1 protozoan, 1 trematode, 4 cestodes, 1 acanthocephalan and 24 nematodes. Results indicate bobcats are important definitive hosts for Sarcocystis sp. and Toxoplasma gondii. Thirteen species (Paragonimus kellicotti, Spirometra mansonoides, Taenia macrocystis, T. rileyi, Capillaria putorii, Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara mystax, Ancylostoma braziliense, A. tubaeforme, Oslerus rostratus, Molineus barbatus, Physaloptera rara, and Troglostrongylus wilsoni) were considered common components of the helminth fauna of southeastern bobcats. Host age and/or host density had significant relationships (P less than or equal to 0.05) to the prevalences of infection of some parasites. Salmonella spp. were isolated from six bobcats, and Yersinia enterocolitica was isolated from a single bobcat. Bobcat populations studied did not have overt clinical parasitism or disease during the fall and winter.

Movement patterns of 30 radio-equipped bobcats in two areas in Maine were studied in relation to reproductive seasons and trapping/hunting removals from 1979 to 1984. Resident male and female bobcats occupied stable home ranges ( X = 95.7 and 31.2 km2, respectively), with substantial seasonal variation in the percentage of total home range occupied. Resident males and females occupied the largest portion of their total home ranges during the gestation season ( X = 59%) and the smallest portion during the nursing season ( X = 18%). This variation may have been a response to seasonal availability of prey. The average overlap between successive seasonal ranges was 71%, indicating strong site fidelity by resident bobcats. Transient bobcats moved extensively through areas

Dental morphology of Felis rufus is highly specialized for prey-killing and meat-shearing functions, and only three cheek teeth occur in each jaw of the adult. Replacement mechanisms have evolved to allow functional maintenance through the lacteal-permanent transitional period. Permanent incisors erupt posterior to the lacteals and in a sequence preserving the nip function. Erupting permanent canines appear to one side of the lacteals, so that lacteal loss is gradual and permanent canines are functional prior to actual lacteal loss. Deciduous carnassials are formed by dP3/dP4 but permanent carnassials are formed by P4/M1 Permanent carnassials are erupted and functional prior to lacteal loss. Adult carnassials are more posteriorly located in the jaw than are lacteal carnassials, and provide greater shear force in adults due to proximity to the angle of the jaw. Dominant cusps of replacement teeth are drastically different from dominant cusps of lacteal counterparts, but positions of cusps and eruption sequence prevents malocclusion during transition.

Eight bobcats with adjoining or overlapping home ranges were examined. Hematological values were within previously reported ranges. Six bobcats demonstrated antibody titers to Toxoplasma gondii. Isospora spp., Taenia taeniaeformis, Spirometra mansoides, Physoloptera rara, Toxocara cati, Strongyloides spp., Trichurus spp., Capillaria spp., and Ancyclostoma spp. were found also in the animals examined. The mean number of parasite species per host was 4.1. All bobcats tested negative for serum antibodies to Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Rickettsia rickettsii). Two bobcats had titers less than or equal to 1:20 for tularemia (Francisiella tularensis), and two were positive for leptospirosis (Leptospira spp.).