BOBCAT (LYNX RUFUS) HOME-RANGE SIZE AND HABITAT USE IN NORTHWEST WISCONSIN

Bobcats were radio-tagged and monitored to estimate and compare annual and seasonal patterns in home range size and habitat use in northwest ern Wisconsin. Annual and seasonal male home ranges extensively overla pped those of other males and females, whereas females maintained more exclusive areas. Annual male home ranges (60.4 km(2) +/- 23.4 km(2)) were 112% larger than those of females (28.5 km(2) +/- 3.7 km(2)). Fem ales expanded and contracted their home ranges seasonally; the largest home ranges occurred in winter. Males shifted similar-sized ranges se asonally resulting in larger annual ranges. Male bobcats selected lowl and conifer forests, and avoided upland conifer stands, upland deciduo us forest and mixed savanna cover-types. Females exhibited similar pre ferences but also selected for lowland deciduous forests and avoided u nforested areas. Seasonal shifts in habitat use were evident for males and females; both used lowland conifer stands more, and unforested ar eas and upland deciduous forests less, in winter. The selection of low land coniferous forests by males and females during all seasons sugges t these areas are important range components in Wisconsin.