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Observing… and Being Observed

February 21, 2021 by Anthony 10 Comments

Last week, an interesting creature visited the sanctuary. We caregivers paused to conduct some informal observations.

The visitor was a bobcat. Also known as “red lynx,” bobcats (Lynx rufus) are medium-sized felines native to southern Canada, the entire continental USA, and northern Mexico.

Unlike other species of lynx, bobcats are highly adaptable and can thrive in proximity to humans. Because of this behavioral flexibility, bobcat populations persist in suburban and agricultural environments and are one of the least threatened species of wild feline.

We often see the signs these creatures leave behind as they roam across the sanctuary’s wooded farmland (usually manifesting as tracks left behind in the snow or mud). Their prints complement those of the numerous wild animals who have adjusted to our presence: badgers, black bears, cougars, coyotes, deer, elk, marmots, mice, porcupines, skunks, squirrels, weasels, voles, and countless species of birds, reptiles and amphibians. Until last week, however, none of us had managed to take a photograph of a living bobcat on the sanctuary campus.

From the kitchen window, I first spotted the bobcat trudging through the pasture just north of the Chimp House. The powdery snow was a couple feet deep out there, but the cat was using its furry paws to stay afloat as if they were snowshoes. Anna and I were closing up the facility for the evening, but we immediately grabbed binoculars and a camera so that we could observe and photograph the creature from our “blind” in the building’s foyer.

The bobcat was clearly hunting for the various rodents that tunnel invisibly beneath the snow. At times, the creature sat on its haunches and listened intently before continuing forward. Eventually, the bobcat pounced on some scurrying prey (likely a vole) but emerged from the snow without its quarry. After that unsuccessful attempt, the cat meandered its way up the hill and disappeared into the woodland above.

Shockingly, the bobcat didn’t seem to notice us. The chimps, meanwhile, were too engrossed in their evening food puzzles to even look out the window. They’ve probably seen lots of wild animals that the humans don’t notice, although even they appear to be fascinated at times.

Of course, the caregivers aren’t the only ones who observe their neighbors around here. As always, the chimpanzees continue to observe the humans. Although they often focus on the caregivers who perform the usual tasks in their vicinity, the chimps also pay close attention to the ongoing expansion of the Chimp House.

Currently, Honey B, Mave and Willy B can watch the construction progress from the safety of their indoor enclosures (which are adjacent to the new playrooms). Honey B, in particular, is captivated by the three gentlemen who are installing the caging, windows, climbing structures and hydraulic doors in the new areas. She balances her observation time, alternating between staring intently at us and monitoring the welders and laborers on the other side.

We often think about how much time humans have spent observing and studying wildlife, including free-ranging and captive chimpanzees, but Honey B appears determined to even the score.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. CarolR says

    February 21, 2021 at 5:37 pm

    For the next extension, you won’t need outsiders…..just put JB and the Californians to work!

    Reply
  2. mo says

    February 21, 2021 at 5:45 pm

    Good for Honey B! As intent as she seems, I imagine she must have gathered a great deal of exceptional intelligence!
    That bobcat is beautiful. How amazing to have had the opportunity to observe so much.

    Reply
  3. Jeani Goodrich says

    February 21, 2021 at 5:52 pm

    Great pictures Anthony. If you look at the picture under the word blind you will notice a rodent in the bobcat’s mouth. So he/she did get to eat a little bit.

    The sanctuary looks beautiful withal the snow.

    Reply
  4. Kathy Preuss says

    February 21, 2021 at 5:55 pm

    Thank you for this blog. Great pics of the chimpanzees, AND that bobcat is beautiful!

    Reply
  5. wendy says

    February 21, 2021 at 5:59 pm

    Anthony…about that bobcat. Does he pose a threat to the Sanctuary animals, chimps & cows?
    Have you ever witnessed the chimps reaction to seeing one??
    Thanks!

    Reply
  6. Vicky says

    February 21, 2021 at 6:11 pm

    Beautiful kitty. How thrilling it must be for the workers to have a chimp supervisor. Do they ever interact with them through the glass?

    Reply
  7. judy says

    February 21, 2021 at 6:12 pm

    Beautiful bobcat… a work of art. Thanks for the wonderful photos and tale/s 🙂 Honey B may be observing for when she is supervising her own sanctuary… for humans maybe?

    Reply
    • Linda C says

      February 22, 2021 at 4:07 am

      My thought was, if she sees how it goes together, she knows how to take it apart!

      Reply
  8. Kathleen says

    February 21, 2021 at 8:13 pm

    Spectacular photos of the bobcat. They are such beautiful creatures. Speaking of beautiful creatures, Ms. Honey B is really something else. It is key to any project to have a lead Project Manager, thank goodness Honey B stepped up. Must be a relief to J.B. to have her on the job.

    Reply
  9. Linda Gere says

    February 22, 2021 at 8:19 am

    Awesome Post!

    Reply

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Cle Elum, WA 98922
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509-699-0728
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