Two new bobcats arrive at the Mackenzie Education Center
POYNETTE, Wis. – People rarely have an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the elusive bobcat in the wild, but visitors to the wildlife exhibit at the MacKenzie Environmental Education Center in Poynette now have an opportunity to view two bobcats at their new home at the exhibit.
The bobcats were born in captivity and donated to the center by Mark Showbolt of Wisconsin Dells.
Bobcat at MacKenzie Environmental Center
One of two new bobcats at the live wildlife exhibit at the MacKenzie Environmental Center
WDNR Photo
“Generally animals that are injured, orphaned or born in captivity cannot be returned to the wild, so we are able to accept them for educational purposes,” says Derek Duane, director of the MacKenzie center, which is located just east of Poynette in Columbia County.
The unique live wildlife exhibit at the MacKenzie center features 22 different animals and birds native to Wisconsin. The bobcats join mammals such as wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, otter, badger, and more in the live wildlife exhibit.
“We are excited about the bobcats becoming a part of our wildlife exhibit,” said Dan Mautz the wildlife technician who cares for the animals. “This gives our visitors a chance to see bobcats up close, an opportunity that even the most avid outdoors person rarely gets, because bobcats are extremely secretive animals.”
Bobcats are about twice the size of a common house cat and are probably the most common wild feline in North America. They prefer to live in heavily forested areas but adapt to a variety of habitats and are mostly crepuscular, or most active at twilight and dawn. The bobcat and lynx are close relatives and often are confused during identification. Both share traits like tufted ears and spots, although the bobcat is the smaller of the two felines.
The MacKenzie Center’s live wildlife exhibit is open to the public and is free, however donations are always appreciated. Visiting hours during the winter are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beginning May 1, the exhibit is open all week including Saturday and Sunday.
For more information on the MacKenzie Center please contact 608-635-8105 or on the web at MacKenzie Environmental Education Center (exit DNR).
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Derek Duane, MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, at 608-635-8100
