The video begins by showing the lynx standing on top of the large tires with snow chains. At first, the animal just stands still, looking around at the environment. Snow is on the ground, not surprising for Alberta in February when this video was filmed. The lynx eventually looks up at Dean Erickson, the man who was filming. He zooms in to get a closer shot of the animal. Still content to stand on the large tire, the lynx just looks around with a look of satisfaction in its eye. The lynx is light grey with bits of tan in its fur. Like other lynxes, it has black-tufted ears. Some lynxes have darker fur, such as brown or gold. It is often based on the environment where the lynx lives. This lynx lives in snowy Alberta so its fur is a mix of white and beige. It does have white fur on its chest. The lynx looks directly at the camera a few times, likely curious about the man. The lynx also looks down at the ground. s Eventually, the lynx moves up to the upper part of the Skidder. Erickson has to shift to filming the animal from a safe distance. Even though they look like housecats, lynxes are still wild animals and should be treated with plenty of caution. Wisely, Erickson keeps his distance from the lynx. Another person can be seen approaching from a distance. They also stop and give the lynx plenty of space. It is important to avoid seeming to threaten the lynx. It also allows it room to jump down and return to the wild, its home.
Do Rare Lynx Normally Approach Humans?
Lynxes are not friendly animals and tend to keep to themselves – so odds are that you will not encounter one in the wild. Except for mothers and their offspring, lynxes are solitary creatures rarely seen in groups. Unlike wolves or lions, lynxes lack a social structure of dominance – they just want to be left alone to hunt their favorite food – snowshoe hare. The lynx in the video wasn’t curious about the people – she just wanted a good dry place to sit for a moment of rest.
Are Lynx Rare in the United States?
In the lower 48 states, Lynx are among the most endangered felines with only a few hundred animals remaining. They are considered threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act – although they are still hunted for their fur in Canada where they are more plentiful. Aggressive logging, road building and development of Lynx habitat has fragmented their space to roam. Snowmobile tracks and roads provide pathways for cougar and coyote, who eat lynx, and bobcat who compete for the same prey.
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