Hi everyone,

Since Mama's demise, myself and several others have reached out to Arizona Game and Fish, the institution responsible for originally issuing the BIT research permit.  We have filed a formal request that AZ Game and Fish revoke the BIT research permit on the following grounds:

1. The study is horribly disrupting wild bobcat behavior and actually causing these creatures to change their daily routines.  Not only is this damaging to the lives of each individual creature, but the changes indicate that any data collected is flawed and potentially useless.
2. Mama died just 1 month and 6 days after capture.  Not only were the BIT researchers ignorant to the presence of a dependent kitten (reported by several concerned parties), but they dismissed the concerns expressed by many local bobcat advocates even after being made aware.  Her death has likely resulted in the demise of her kitten, as well.
3. The BIT researchers have not responded to the majority of public opposition to their study.  Replies have been dismissive at best, but the researchers have largely ignored emails that do not support their research techniques.  
4. Collar studies are becoming considered obsolete by many conservation and even state / federal agencies.  Although not always acknowledged by certain sects of the wildlife research community, more information continues to surface which confirms the detrimental impact of aggressive capture / collar research approaches.

Arizona Game and Fish has expressed the intention to further investigate our concerns.  Please, please, please consider sending them a quick email mentioning your reasons for wishing to see an end to the BIT research study.

Please contact Pat Barber: pbarber@azgfd.gov

Thank you!