If an animal has the tapetum lucidum membrane, light that initially passes over the retina hits the membrane and reflects back across the photoreceptors, adding more light and creating a clearer image in low-light situations. Generally speaking, the eyes of most mammals work by light passing into the retina, where photoreceptors send messages to the brain to create images that we see. If they pass by a wildlife camera at night, their eyes reflect the low-light infrared flash from the camera, triggering one of the brightest eyeshines of all mammals.Įyeshine is caused by a special membrane called the tapetum lucidum (“Tapestry of Light”), which is a reflective membrane located directly behind the eye’s retina. (It should be noted that GTRLC uses cameras for wildlife study but they are not otherwise permitted on GTRLC preserves). However, we know they roam the woods by the tracks they leave in fresh snow or muddy areas, the occasional daytime sighting, or a cameo appearance on wildlife cameras. Of course, their most distinctive physical feature is their namesake “bobbed” tail.īeing nocturnal hunters, bobcats often go unseen by humans. Their fur color varies from brownish red to mostly brown with a white underbelly. These feline predators are roughly twice the size of a house cat, weighing anywhere from 11 to 30lbs. Their range includes the northern two-thirds of the state, where they spend their time hunting small game such as rabbits, birds, mice and squirrels. Despite being known as the most abundant wild cat in the U.S., bobcats are elusive, solitary creatures that aren’t often seen.
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