Rare Lynx Spotted in Jasper National Park

According to the Edmonton Vue Weekly, 3 lynx were spotted in Jasper National Park near Marmot Basin on March 16. Sightings are rare so this was a treat. Click the link to see a picture and video of the lynx in Jasper.

According to Parks Canada’s February 2008 E-News here, there have been several recent sightings of lynx in Jasper. Wes Bradford, Jasper National Park’s Wildlife/Human Conflicts Specialist, says the cause is due to an increase in population of their primary food source, the rabbit. Another cause is the weather. As the snow thaws this time of year, it is sometimes easier for a lynx to walk on a roadway than the snow.

Bradford points out that mating season is also causing movement among lynx as males and females seek each other out. Females also kick sub-adults out of their litter during this season causing some confused immature lynx to wander.

Parks Canada’s Bradford provides advice to Jasper National Park visitors:

• Watch for lynx and other animals who are using park roads even more than usual;
• Slow down. It’s always easier to brake for wildlife if you’re already traveling a little slower;
• Be aware that during these spring conditions, a lynx may remain on the road sunning itself even if you drive right up to it.

Neat. The only place I’ve seen lynx in person was at Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida (pictured). It’s a Siberian Lynx not unlike what was seen in Jasper National Park. The Jasper National Park’s Canadian Lynx have slightly browner fur.

Learn more about the Canadian Lynx in other Canada national parks here.