I was talking to my uncle the other day about my planned thru hike of the LT in July and he asked about animals on the trail. I know to expect mice, porcupines, possibly bears, chips, etc…but he mentioned that he saw a bobcat the other day (he lives in CT). I hadn’t read or heard about any encounters/sighting on the LT and was wondering if anyone had seen (or heard of) any bobcats on the trail. Thanks!
J
I saw a bobcat on my Long Trail hike in '02. However, it was actually on the portion of the trail that cojpoins the AT - that first 100 miles from the MA-borber to the Inn at Long Trail, where the two split apart.
The actual bobcat sighting was after a day in Machester. VT. My hiking partner was ahead. We were climbing Bromley Mountain, and the sun was setting. Right before sunset, we closing on the top and were chugging up the ski slopes when a bobcat flashed across the trail, stirred up by my partner. Being behind, I got to see the spectacle as it dashed from one island of trees across the slopes and into the full woods. very cool.
I’ve seen bobcats as far south as Savannah, GA, although I was in my car when that one ran across the road. They have a very distinctive bob tail and high-rumped run. Pretty shy though, so helps to have Lady Luck on your side. They certainly won’t bother a hiker.
Jan LiteShoe
Remind me not to type enthusiastically without my glasses on. But you get the gist.
Jan LiteShoe
Saw a bobcat on my 2004 thru hike, very rare to see one, consider yourself lucky and fortunate if you do. They don’t want to have any thing to do with you.
Kinloch
I have seen 3 Bobcats in my time hiking-and I consider myself beyond lucky. Gorgous little creatures :)All the encounters were in the winter. They are much more intrested in getting a tasty rabbit for dinner, than being near humans. They do not like being near us. And they come below an average womans knee. Cougars I have fear of, as I have been followed before. But even they are just curious overgrown cats (with sharp pointy teeth!).
sarbar
I am on the trail on average 2weekends a month all year and have seen weasles, bear, moose bobcat sign and owl sign, manpecies of woodpecker and several species of birds.
riderdave
In my few years backpacking I have been lucky to see 2 bobcats (both times out west in CA) The best sighting was watching one hunt in an elk field on a beautiful north coast sunny morning.
nikkie
I saw one at the Pico shelter last week. So cool!!! I was going south on Shelburne Pass trail thursday 5/25 and on coming up to the shelter it was in the trail next to the shelter. I feel very blessed to see it, it made my trip.
Peace. JJB
JJB