Photo of bobcat by Flickr user ucumari. Published under Creative Commons license.

New York's bobcat population is growing, says the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The elusive cats, found mostly in the Catskill, Taconic and Adirondack mountains in the state, are increasingly moving into central and western New York.

The DEC thinks the state's growing bobcat population can sustain an expanded hunting season. The agency is considering allowing bobcat hunting in territory where it is currently off-limits, and in some places extending the season. The AP reports:

Trappers and hunters have killed about 400 to 500 bobcats a year in recent years. Some bobcats are stuffed by taxidermists, but most are killed for their pelts, which sell for $50 to $200.

DEC estimates that fewer than 100 additional bobcats a year will be killed if its plan takes effect.

On Tuesday, the Onteora Central School district held yet another meeting to discuss the planned reconfiguration of its three elementary schools, which could result in the closing of the Phoenicia School or the re-shuffling of grade levels among the district's three elementary schools.

But while Onteora goes through the painful process of deciding whether to close a school, change is afoot at the state level that could mean even greater uncertainty for local parents and students. The Freeman reports:

A hearing on the Route 28 Scenic Byway project, scheduled for tonight at 6pm in the Shandaken Town Hall, has been postponed. The byway meeting conflicted with an important Onteora School Board meeting on the reconfiguration of the district's elementary schools, which is expected to draw parents and community members from around the district.

The Onteora School Board meets tonight at 6pm at the Phoenicia Elementary School, which could be closed under one of several reconfiguration options the board is considering. The meeting will be preceded by a public forum at 5:15pm.

Shandaken town officials have not yet set a new date for the byway meeting.