Identified for its extensive open areas, numerous wildlife, and abundance of pure mineral sources, the state of Montana is one wonderful place that’s additionally referred to as the “Treasure State.” This western state is residence to a terrific many animal species, together with some wild cats.
On this article, we’ll inform what wild cats reside in Montana and embrace some helpful suggestions that will help you keep protected from these animals when spending time in nature.
The three Forms of Wild Cats in Montana
1. Bobcat
| Supplies: | Lynx rufus |
| Instruments: | 28”–37” |
| Issue Degree: | 15–20 pound |
The bobcat is Montana’s smallest wild cat that’s roughly twice as large as a domestic cat. The bobcat has a stubby bobbed tail, quick dense fur, and lightweight grey, brown, yellowish-brown, or buff base coloration. The fur is white underneath the physique and legs though it’s usually speckled with shade. The facial fur of this cat is normally streaked with black, giving it a hanging look.
In Montana, bobcats may be discovered statewide in locations of dense vegetation and excessive prey densities. These cats may be energetic through the daytime hours however they’re primarily nocturnal animals. They’re additionally very elusive so recognizing one in nature isn’t regular.
2. Canada lynx
| Supplies: | Lynx canadensis |
| Instruments: | 1.7’–3.9’ |
| Issue Degree: | 16–31 kilos |
At first look, one may mistake a Canada lynx with a bobcat as a result of there are some similarities like tufted ears and small tails. Nevertheless, the Canada lynx is a medium-sized cat that’s greater than a bobcat with longer legs. A Canada lynx has dense, silvery grayish brown fur masking its comparatively quick, compact physique.
The Canada lynx is a threatened species, with solely a small inhabitants remaining in simply three states, together with Montana. This solitary, secretive animal is normally energetic through the nighttime hours and rarely ventures into giant open areas.
Canada lynx are discovered within the western a part of Montana in deep forests the place there’s loads of prey. Take into account your self lucky should you spot a Canada lynx within the wild, because it’s a uncommon incidence.
3. Mountain lion
| Supplies: | Puma concolor |
| Instruments: | 23”–28” |
| Issue Degree: | 130–150 pound |
The mountain lion is a giant cat with lots of totally different names together with cougar, puma, and panther. The physique of a mountain lion is roofed in beige-brown fur aside from the stomach and chest which is grey. There are black markings on this cat’s tail tip, ears, and across the snout. Mountain lions differ drastically in dimension, relying on the place they’re discovered. A male can tip the scales at properly over 150 kilos whereas feminine mountain lions weigh round 85 kilos.
In Montana, mountain lions may be discovered statewide in any habitat with enough meals, cowl, and room to keep away from coming into contact with individuals. That is an elusive, extremely predatory cat that preys on many issues like white-tailed deer, snowshoe hare, elk, and moose. Human encounters with these large cats are uncommon though they’re often noticed from afar.
Easy methods to Keep Secure Round Montana’s Wild Cats
Now that you just’ve learn by the knowledge above, that the wild cats in Montana are all elusive creatures that avoid people. Nevertheless, we people do enterprise exterior our city jungles to mingle with Montana’s nature the place it’s doable to have a run-in with a wild cat. The very first thing to do should you come near a wild cat is to stay calm and keep alert. By no means method the animal or nook it in any method. As an alternative, face the animal, make some noise, and attempt to make your self look bigger by waving your arms or pulling your coat up over your head.
No matter should you encounter a bobcat, Canada lynx, or mountain lion, it would almost definitely retreat, as human assaults are uncommon.
Conclusion
It’s no marvel that three wild cats select to make their properties within the state of Montana, contemplating the state’s huge house, forested hills, and ample prey. Whereas it’s unlikely you’ll have a face-to-face encounter with certainly one of these cats within the wild, you possibly can contemplate your self fortunate should you catch only a glimpse of 1 from afar.
People want to recollect to respect the pure habitat of Montana’s wild cats. The very last thing anybody ought to do is attempt to get shut to at least one. Even when they give the impression of being adorably cute, bobcats, Canada lynxes, and mountain lions are wild animals that may assault.
Featured Picture Credit score: outdoorsman, Shutterstock