Recommendations to Avoid Incidental Capture of Bobcats
If you observe bobcat sign (up to 2-inch rounded paw prints with M-shaped pad and no claw marks; blunt, less tapered scat) in the vicinity of your traps move them to areas where sign is absent
Use the appropriate loop size and height off of the ground for your target animal
Avoid using baits if trapping in an area suspected to be used by bobcats
Recommendations to Minimize Injury
Use a relaxing-type sliding lock (one that releases constriction pressure when the animal stops pulling)
Set traps to avoid entanglement of cable with vegetation, debris, fences, etc.
Use multiple swivels
Avoid "hanging" sets where an animal could hang itself
Check traps early in the morning rather than the evening
Consider installing an in-line spring on your cables
If you find a bobcat (alive or dead) in one of your sets, call 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337). NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife biologists will:
Assess bobcat for injuries and determine if it needs veterinary care
Take a DNA sample from the bobcat and affix an ear tag to the individual
