Bobcat Stomach Analysis Data Cards --

Collection

Identifier: NWRC 0063

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Bobcat Stomach Analysis Data Cards Collection consists of several thousdand 3” x 5” data cards created by the Bureau of Biological Survey’s Food Habits Research Laboratory. Most cards were created between 1932-1942. The cards (labelled as form Bi-174) record data pertaining to the analysis of stomach contents of bobcats, and include sex, location and date collected, name of collector, condition of stomach, percentage of animal and vegetable matter, contents, name of examiner and date of examination. Most of the examinations were conducted by Charles Sperry, Shaler Aldous, and Cecil Williams. In some cases, the data was added to the cards several years after the animal was killed.

Bobcat specimens were obtained in many locations across the United States. The states represented are: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. The bulk of specimens were from New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona.

Dates

Majority of material found within 1932-1942
1929-1952

Creator

United States. Bureau of Biological Survey (BBS) (Organization)

Biographical / Historical

The USDA Bureau of Biological Survey Food Habits Laboratory was established in Denver in 1931 to study the food habits of predators and birds, mainly in the western United States. In 1940, the Bureau of Biological Survey merged with the Bureau of Fisheries to form the Department of Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service. At this time, the Food Habits Laboratory and the BBS’ Control Methods laboratory combined to form the Denver Wildlife Research Laboratory (predecessor to the Denver Wildlife Research Center and the National Wildlife Research Center.) Food habits studies continued after the merger.

The main work carried out in the Food Habits laboratory was the analysis of animal stomach contents, mainly predators, including coyotes and bobcats, and various species of birds. The animal specimens were sent from field employees to the laboratory, where the stomach contents were described quantitatively and tabulated.

Extent

1 linear feet (Four 4" x 5.75" x 12" boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Bobcat Stomach Analysis Data Cards collection consists of 3” x 5” data cards created by the Bureau of Biological Survey’s Food Habits Laboratory. The cards are dated 1929-1952 and include a description of the stomach contents of bobcats that were collected in 30 different states across the U.S.