The creek has since thawed. It may re-freeze in ~2 weeks though.

AJE bobcats absolutely love to travel creeks on new ice. I have seen it dozens of times in multiple states. They travel on it after the freeze up so long as its froze but that first night or two they really flock to them. Put on your hip boots and put out snare's while the water is still water when the forecast looks right. Right up by the bank but most especially where brush creates a necked down spot. You want snares out when it freezes. Cats are a lot lighter than you. You hang them before a good cold snap everything looks natural.

I wonder if they ever fall thru new/thin ice

As calculating as they are I would guess rarely.

A challenge I've had is getting a Bobcat to follow the same trail twice

AJE I dont think water bothers a bobcat much.

I like my cubbies big great eye appeal.

That's quite a picture of the cat in the barrel

Thanks.
I wonder if they cross streams via water or if they rely on downed trees

They will walk across beaver dams pretty regular or downed trees but they dont have any problem just swimming across a small creek.

Danny, what's your thoughts on small rivers? The deep, slow moving types common in my country?

Go right in J Staton. Especially when the toms are looking for love. They are as determined as a sailor in Subic bay. They may avoid faster deep water I am not sure. Wading doesnt slow them down anymore than it does a hound.

Have traps out on a farm for about 3 weeks now that has that small river spilling into the Arkansas. Hoping to catch some love sick cats traveling those river banks. Score so far... 4 possums, 2 coons, and 2 cats.

Excellent thread. Thanks to everyone for sharing.

Mac

After the epic severe storm a month or so ago we have more down trees than usual and I think it's giving them ample bridges to cross