We monitored 13 (6 female, 7 male) adult bobcats (Lynx rufus) using radiotelemetry and examined seasonal activity patterns using 9,217 observations from August 1989 - August 1990. Female bobcats were active 49% and males were active 60% of the diel period. Mean percentage activity during winter of males (x = 71%,SE = 4.0%) was greater (P < 0.01) than that of females (x + 44%, SE + 5%). Bobcats exhibited greatest activity during crepuscular and nocturnal periods. We detected a less defined bimodal crepuscular activity than previous studies. High diurnal activity makes bobcats susceptible to incidental harvest during sport hunting seasons. We recommend managers consider influence of activity on harvest patterns when designing harvest limits on bobcat populations.
