Bobcat use of highway crossing structures and habitat use near a highway expansion in southern Texas (Lynx rufus)

Highways have profound impacts on the federally endangered ocelot ( Leopardus pardalis) in southern Texas. A recent expansion of U.S. Highway 281 in Live Oak county, Texas, caused concern about potential impacts on ocelot populations. The goal of this research was to investigate the use of wildlife crossings as safe passage under the highway for free-ranging felids, and determine if the expansion altered felid habitat use of areas proximal to the highway. Wildlife crossing structures were monitored by track surveys and remote camera monitoring systems. Sixteen radio-collared bobcats (Lynx rufus) were used to describe habitat use near U.S. Highway 281. Free-ranging felids were detected using bridges, modified culverts, and unmodified culverts. Modified culverts were used significantly more than unmodified culverts (P ≤ 0.001). No difference was found between use of modified culverts and bridges. The highway expansion did not cause bobcats to alter use of areas within 1–100 m, 101–500 m, and ≥500 m of the highway. Wildlife crossing structures may aid in reducing vehicle-caused felid mortalities.