When a frosty morning at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma starts with a Bobcat and deer nearby, you just know it’s going to be an awesome day!
Winter Bobcat at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/200, ISO 1250, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 349mm, natural light
The deer were acting spooked, and while Steve Creek and I had seen a Coyote just minutes earlier, it wasn’t really close enough to put them on alert.
The White-tailed Deer were covered in frost from the chilly temps overnight.
One of the does down a closed dirt road was huffing, so we knew something had her on edge. I was standing outside the pickup, using it as a mobile blind to photograph the deer.
All of a sudden, I caught movement at the side of the road, and out strolled a Bobcat. The doe kept huffing and blowing at the cat while I tried to focus on it in the middle of the road.
The Bobcat paid no attention to Steve in the pickup, me, or the huffing doe. It simply sniffed around the vegetation in the middle of the road.
Bobcat crossing a frosty road as two deer watch from a distance – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/160, ISO 1250, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 349mm, natural light
When the Bobcat finished sniffing, it casually started across the frosty road while the deer looked on. The beautiful cat’s movement reminded me I needed to breathe!
The last time I was at the refuge, we saw a Bobcat not far from where this one was, walking behind our friend Brett’s vehicle while he photographed a Raccoon. Bret didn’t see that cat because he was focused on the Raccoon.
There are quite a few Bobcats at the refuge—I just wish we saw and photographed them more often, and up closer too!
Happy Birthday to Chris, my youngest son! I love you!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Bobcat photos plus facts and information about this species.
What remarkable shots! The bobcat is beautiful and I love your narrative. What a day for you! Thanks Mia.
Wonderful to see this interaction of the 2 species in their habitat. Good shot!