Lynx are increasingly visible in Calgary

Open in full screen mode

Specialist Sarah Jordan-McLaughlin considers the lynx roaming Calgary to be “citizen lynx” because she considers them active members of the community.

Radio-Canada

In recent years, more and more Calgarians have reported seeing lynx in their urban landscape.

Vanessa Carney, supervisor of landscape analysis with Urban Conservation at Calgary Parks, says reports of this feline doubled between 2018 and 2020, from 1,000 to 2,000.

This increase would not only be the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, since these figures have stabilized, she explains. The increase may also be due to people seeing more and being more engaged with the wildlife around them.

This is the case for Cathy Brodner who was excited to see a lynx in her backyard one September morning: My adrenaline was skyrocketing. I was so excited to see them here and be able to be in their presence.

When a resident sees an animal coming out of the ordinary, he is more likely to report it to the City by calling 311, explains Vanessa Carney.

The lynx is an animal that does not naturally frequent the Calgary region. It rather inhabits the south of the province and the Rockies, confirms Sarah Jordan-McLaughlin, scientific researcher specializing in lynxes from Calgary.

LoadingWhat will happen on January 6, 2025 in Washington?

What will happen on January 6, 2025 in Washington?

ELSE ON INFO: What will happen on January 6, 2025 in Washington?

According to her, the fact of seeing lynx more easily in an urban environment demonstrates a change in behavior .

They are shy and elusive and they don't tend to be around too many people. But in Calgary, we tend to find that people see them a lot. They appear in their backyards and during the day, and they are quite visible in urban areas compared to other cities, which is not typical of bobcats.

A quote from researcher Sarah Jordan-McLaughlin lynx scientist

Open in full screen mode

Cathy Brodner loves photographing animals and was very excited to capture images of young bobcats at her home.

There is no obvious reason to explain this change in attitude and territory, notes the specialist.

Sarah Jordan-McLaughlin suggests that the lynx would like Calgary because it finds advantages in living near humans. It is safe from natural predators like coyotes or cougars. In addition, feeders and their birds, squirrels, and mice are interesting food sources for this feline.

Data shows that lynx hang around green spaces like Fish Creek Park, Weaselhead, along the Deerfoot Trail and north Calgary.

The researcher explains that the lynx does not tend to attack humans, unless it feels threatened by them.

On the other hand, pets like cats and small dogs can be perceived as both predator and prey. She advises pet owners to take precautions if they see a bobcat in their neighborhood. It is best not to leave a small dog unattended and to keep cats indoors.

With information from ;Helen Pike