Bobcats in Maryland - Distribution, Abundance, and Population Genetics

In Maryland, bobcats are expanding their distribution east of historical bobcat range (i.e., western Maryland), likely indicating an increase in abundance and prompting interest in bobcats’ status within Maryland. Kevin Lamp, research technologist at Penn State University helped to assess the distribution, abundance, and population genetics of bobcats in western Maryland using two noninvasive sampling methods: camera trapping and genetic sampling. Lamp will share this research that established the foundational knowledge to conserve and manage Maryland’s bobcat population while offering state wildlife managers options to monitor bobcat distribution and demographics into the future.

Kevin Lamp is a research technologist at Penn State University with eight years of wildlife research experience including data collection for various wildlife research projects throughout the United States and data analysis for his graduate research project. Kevin received his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota Crookston in 2014 and his master’s degree from the University of Delaware in 2022. Kevin’s graduate research included assessing the distribution, abundance, and population genetics of bobcats in western Maryland. In his free time, Kevin enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family.