"Kitty Cam" Captures Cats Killing Birds

by
posted on August 9, 2012
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (20)

We've discussed the very negative effect that feral cats and free-roaming house cats can have on wildlife, especially birds. And it seems each time we discuss the impact or the attempts by states to control their feral cat populations, there's a passionate response in the comments section.

The opinions expressed vary widely, from Amanda, who wrote, "Only an ignorant person would think that killing cats is the answer to habitat loss," to Woodsman, who opined, "Congratulations [to Arkansas on its] intelligent decision to rid their lands of this highly destructive, invasive species."

Perhaps one could argue that I've covered this topic sufficiently, but I find it important, and it seems every new study involving the impact of cats on the environment is more alarming than the last. For instance, the University of Georgia (UGA) has found evidence that house cats allowed to roam outside kill an average of 2.1 animals per week, 13 percent of which are birds. Based on the new study, the American Bird Conservancy now believes cats kill even more than its original estimate of 500 million birds per year.

The manner in which UGA collected its data makes this study all the more intriguing. Researchers attached "Kitty Cams" to various house cats, allowed them to roam freely, and monitored their travels. Each time a cat killed something, it was recorded in a log book.

Some of the photographic and video footage is downright amazing. There's a cat growling at a dog. Another stalking a lizard. And, finally, the one that made me jump: A cat attacked by an opossum.

What do you think of this latest study?

Latest

Pease And Venison Lede 2
Pease And Venison Lede 2

Recipe: Creamed Venison and Peas

Brad Fenson creams together peas and venison in this wild-game take on a British classic.

Airport Conversation Leads to Wildlife-Related Charges

CDFW officers catch a pair of poachers after overhearing them on a plane.

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Colorado’s Excise Tax on Firearm and Ammunition Sales

On March 31, the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), together with the Firearms Policy Coalition, Second Amendment Foundation, Colorado State Shooting Association, Magnum Shooting Center and an NRA member, filed a lawsuit challenging Colorado’s 6.5-percent excise tax on the retail sale of firearms, firearm precursor parts and ammunition.

Tested: Magnum Research 10mm Magnum BFR Revolver

This 6-shot, single-action revolver may well be the first factory-made handgun chambered in this caliber in over three decades.

Hunting Heritage Trust Grant Applications Being Accepted

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearm industry, has opened the application period for the 2025 Hunting Heritage Trust Grants. They offer a total of $100,000 in financial support for programs that work to expand participation in hunting and the shooting sports.

Hardware Review: Marlin Model 1895 Dark

If you think lever-action rifles should only have walnut stocks and a blued-metal finish, then the new Marlin Dark series with its polymer buttstock and aluminum AR-esque handguard probably won’t be your thing. That’s a shame, because this recent offering in Marlin’s line of modernized, capable lever-action rifles has a lot going for it in terms of performance, functionality and fun.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.