THUNDER BAY – NEWS – There have been numerous sighting of Canadian Lynx in Thunder Bay. The first reports were posted on social media on the Real Concerned Citizens of Thunder Bay page. There have been sightings of this elusive creature just north of the Marina Park along McVicar’s Creek, also at Brookside Apartments along McVicar’s Creek. Additionally, there have been videos posted online showing this large Lynx on Farrand Street near Margaret.
The Thunder Bay Police Service report they have received a few calls in the past few days from concerned citizens about a Lynx that has been spotted in Marina Park and the adjacent neighbourhoods in the north side of the city. Police responded to one call for service in the Algoma Street area yesterday and the lynx was gone by the time officers arrived.
Police have been in touch with the MNRF and they have advised that Lynx can be found in Thunder Bay District and although rarely seen, it is not uncommon for them to be present in the city of Thunder Bay.
Police will provide a primary responsibility for incidents that pose an immediate threat to human safety.
The Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) or Canadian lynx is a North American mammal of the cat family, Felidae. With the recognized subspecies, it ranges across Canada and into Alaska as well as some parts of the northern United States and extending down the Rocky Mountains to Colorado, where they were reintroduced in the 1990s. A fully grown adult Lynx can weigh up to forty pounds.
With a dense silvery-brown coat, ruffed face and tufted ears, the Canada lynx resembles the other species of the mid-sized Lynx genus. It is slightly larger than the bobcat, with which it shares parts of its range, and over twice the size of the domestic cat.
There are reports of a Lynx attacking a small dog at the Brookside Apartments, the dog was left with numerous puncture wounds.
While the Lynx is usually a nocturnal animal, it is known to be active during daylight hours too. In the Indigenous culture, the Lynx is a pathfinder.
What do Do if You Encounter a Lynx?
If you encounter a cougar or lynx
- never approach the animal, especially if it’s near a kill or with young
- never offer it food
- always exercise caution if you get close to released or captive-reared cougars
- don’t run, its instinct is to chase
- if you’re with others, stay together and act as a group
- face the animal and talk firmly while slowly backing away
- always leave the animal an escape route
- do not crouch down or try to hide, instead try to appear larger
- do not take your eyes off the animal or turn your back
- if the animal does not flee, be more assertive by shouting, waving your arms and throwing anything available
Sources: Wikipedia, Ontario MNRF
