Researchers Need Your Help in Locating Fallen Off GPS Tracking Bobcat Collars

30 Jul 2018

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) implemented a short-term study on local bobcats last year. The goal of the project was to further understand how wild bobcat populations interact with their environment and how they are adapting to human populations.

In the fall of last year, teams tagged 50 different bobcats with GPS tracking devices throughout Connecticut, and they marked their ears with yellow tags. Field experts collected information about each bobcat including their estimated age, sex and weight.

These cats are crucial for the environment, and researchers believe that about 1,000 live in the state. Experts confirm that bobcats have more of an effect on smaller animal species than any other predator in the area.

In Connecticut, bobcats are an apex predator that consumes raccoons, chickens, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, skunks and other small animals. Their preference for squirrels oftentimes leads them to suburban neighborhoods, so it’s important for residents to be on the lookout for these animals.

Soon, the first 50 collars will fall off the animals, and biologists are expected to reattach at least 20. Their data project will continue until at least 2020.

How You Can Help

This study has collected important data that researchers will continue to analyze. The GPS tracking units attached to these cats are pre-programmed to fall off the animals on August 1, 2018.

This measure was implemented to ensure the animals were not harmed by the collar over time.

Researchers are asking everyone who locates one of these collars to contact the Wildlife Division at 860-424-3045. Individuals who find the collars can also email using deep.ctwildlife@ct.gov, and they will make arrangements to retrieve it.

These collars will still be transmitting their location, so authorities will be attempting to retrieve them over the coming months.

DEEP is additionally attempting to research the diet of modern-day bobcats. Biologists are asking anyone who comes across a road-killed bobcat to call the Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011. Biologists will then collect the animal and examine its stomach contents.

DEEP gives their sincerest thanks to Connecticut residents who have continued to help with their continued studies. Witness reports are crucial to the program, and the research would be impossible without hard-working volunteers.

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About George Karonis

George Karonis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LiveViewGPS Inc., a company he established in 2008 with the vision of making real-time GPS tracking more reliable, affordable, and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as an innovator in GPS tracking, fleet management, asset monitoring, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) communications. Under George's leadership, LiveViewGPS has grown into a nationally recognized provider of GPS tracking solutions, serving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement organizations, and public works departments throughout the United States. The company's technology helps organizations improve operational efficiency, protect valuable assets, increase driver safety, and reduce operating costs through real-time location intelligence. Before founding LiveViewGPS, George developed a background in security, surveillance, and emerging location technologies. His passion for innovation and practical problem solving has driven the development of products that combine dependable hardware with easy-to-use cloud software, giving customers actionable information when it matters most. In 2018, George expanded into nationwide Push-to-Talk over Cellular communications by launching PeakPTT, providing businesses with rugged, instant communication solutions that operate over LTE and Wi-Fi networks. His focus has remained the same throughout his career: delivering dependable technology backed by exceptional customer service and long-term customer relationships. George regularly writes about GPS tracking, fleet management, asset protection, business technology, and communication systems. Through this blog, he shares industry insights, practical advice, and emerging trends to help organizations make informed decisions about tracking technology and connected operations.