This photo goes back many years. It was 6 o’clock and I decided to take a ride out to the Delaware Water Gap and then head up by Tocks Island on Old Mine Road. Maybe I can get a nice sunset along the river.

That didn’t pan out. 

I continued slowly North, heading back home as it is getting darker.

Suddenly, a bobcat ran across the road right in front of my car, leaped up on the embankment and SAT DOWN! 

It was a little chaotic in the car. I’m trying to a stop before passing by the cat, rolling the passenger window down, turning on my camera and then trying to get a picture before he takes off!

I took a couple of fast photos before I even hit the zoom. Better a tiny bobcat photo than a NO bobcat photo! Then, it felt like my zoom was sticking; I was probably putting too much pressure on the dial!  Finally, the zoom worked! I can’t believe this guy sat there that long, even turned his head away, looking into the woods!

I am a little disappointed that my photos didn’t come out when he departed, showing clearly his bobtail.  That’s okay; I’ll settle for these!  You don’t get too many opportunities to see them, much less get a photo of one, and I have been waiting for a chance to get a photo.

Well, I got about eight.

Charlie’s Tip: This time of year, face south along the river in the Gap. The sun sets behind the distant ridge and you can get some nice sunset photos along with a ‘Stairway of Light’ effect on the river – if you’re lucky!

You have heard me say things happen in threes. Well, just after I started to leave, I went around a bend and there was a skunk slowly walking up the right lane. Those photos didn’t come out. I had the zoom on and couldn’t find him on the screen. I lowered my window as I passed by him, but he ran into the woods before I could take a photo.  I didn’t want to stop as I might get sprayed; the air outside already had that skunk scent!

Then, I went through Millbrook and on the way up the hill three wild turkeys ran across in front of me!  This driving around looking for stuff actually works sometimes!

Hope the Easter Bunny stays off Old Mine Road!!

The other Bobcat photo happened a couple of years later. It was like deja vu. Getting dark on Old Mine Road in Worthington State Forest and I’m driving south when a Bobcat runs in front of my car, towards the River, dashing under the guardrail and out of sight. 

What the heck – I’ll take a chance and stop. It’s a miracle! I notice the bobcat paralleling the road through the woods heading north! My camera is going crazy trying to focus! I am bobbing and weaving trying to get a clear photo through the branches when, SUDDENLY, the Bobcat stops and freezes, facing right at me about 50 to 75 feet away!!

I took about 25 photos, mostly blurs, but it gives an idea of time!

I believe this is a good time for me to make a repetitive statement: “WE SURE LIVE IN WONDERFUL AREA!!” 

There are so many beautiful places – along with so much wildlife – all within Warren County.

A note on bobcats

Bobcats are solitary wild cats with short stubby tails and tufted ears. They can live 7-10 years in the wild. Females reach about three feet long and 20 inches high with males slightly larger. Males can keep a 25-square-mile territory.

They mainly eat small mammals like squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks and mice, but may hunt larger animals like turkeys, foxes, reptiles or even a small deer to create a food cache! Bobcats are agile creatures and make excellent climbers. They can even swim, though they don’t do it often.

Bobcat populations have suffered due to enemies that include human hunters. They must also be on the lookout for foxes, owls, and adult male bobcats, which may attack young. Populations are stable in many northern states and are reviving in other states. 

New Jersey has successfully reestablished the bobcat population over the years: The New Jersey Department of Fish and Game has actively managed that project. Various organizations and groups in our region have also played a role in assisting them to make a comeback. The Nature Conservancy, Ridge and Valley Conservancy and others have been purchasing tracts of land in our area which will inter-connect with Yards Creek and The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, creating ‘Bobcat Alley.’ 

Warren County has been very proactive over the years, too, preserving open space for recreational, educational and cultural purposes, all assisting in protecting our wildlife.  County organizations such as the Deptartment of Land Preservation, Municipal Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund Committee, Warren County Board of Recreation, all along with others play a major role in protecting our wonderful Region. The N.J. DEP and Green Acres, along with our State Parks and Forests, are also constantly working together in protecting our Natural Treasures. 

I hope you have enjoyed learning about one of our wild neighbors, which you very rarely get a chance to see!

Enjoy Your Open Space & BE SAFE!!

Charlie Fineran