Not only do motorists need to watch for darting deer and wild turkey while traveling throughout rural Guthrie County, bobcats have been added to the list of wild animals causing damage to vehicles.  Just last week it was reported that a 30-35 lb. female bobcat was struck and killed while crossing Highway 44 approximately two miles east of Guthrie Center.

Guthrie County Conservation Director Joe Hanner says bobcats are not that common, yet common.  Multiple stories of bobcat sightings are normally heard late summer and early fall.  Guthrie County has an abundance of trees and wooded areas along with rivers and streams, which are the ideal habitat conditions for bobcats, Hanner added.

Hanner says the bobcat population is doing quite well and that there is now a trapping season for them in Guthrie County and most of Southern Iowa.  It’s not unusual to hear a hunter say they often catch photos of bobcats when reviewing footage on trail camera’s they’ve set up.

Currently there are two bobcats mounted and displayed in the Guthrie County Conservation Offices.  An adult bobcat obtained 9 years ago north of Panora on P28 was the first real hard evidence of bobcats in the area.  Also on display is a half grown bobcat.  Director Hanner spotted the kitten on the side of the road in August of 2011.  The public, while visiting the Guthrie County Historical Village in Panora, can view both bobcats.