The answers to your bobcat questions!

If you’ve seen the various bobcat photos we’ve shared over the past couple years, you may have wished you knew more about bobcats. Where do they live? How far do they travel? What do they eat? How rare are they?

Bobcat seen at close range at the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge by photographer Steve Gifford.

Now you can learn all sorts of interesting info about bobcats and land conservation in this “Phantom of the Patoka” article by Kurt Christian in 812: The Magazine of Southern Indiana (also available as a PDF here). Kurt visited the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge, including Columbia Mine Preserve, for a tour with Assistant Refuge Manager, Heath Hamilton.

They didn’t spot any bobcats, but then again, they didn’t really expect to as the creatures are very elusive!

The article also shares some of the things Steve Gifford, a talented nature photographer, has learned while studying the habits of the area’s bobcats. Through that knowledge and the sheer number of hours he spends patiently waiting (no matter the heat, bugs, or uncomfortable positions), he has taken the stunning photos on this page. We’re thankful that Steve is out there capturing such great shots, and that he shares them with organizations like ours for the good of conservation!

Check out the article!

Bobcat cubs survey their home on Columbia Mine. Photo by Steve Gifford.