Bobcat sightings increase

For the second consecutive year, state wildlife officials say the number of official bobcat sightings has increased, showing Ohio's still-endangered bobcat population is growing. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources credits the protections allowed under the Endangered Species Act, as well as the return of new growth forest, the bobcat's preferred habitat. Suzie Prange of the Division of Wildlife says Ohioans may help officials track the bobcat by reporting  sightings and cultivating new forest growth. The preservation and tracking efforts are supported by the Wildlife Diverstiy and Endangered Species Fund. Prange says success varies across the state.