Lynx: An Elusive Presence

Watersheds Messenger Fall 2000 Vol. VII, No. 3 PDF ISSUE	BACK
Lynx: An Elusive Presence By Miriam L. Austin

Lynx are one of our most elusive creatures - now poised at the brink of extinction within the continental U.S. Historically, Lynx once extended down the Rocky Mountains as far south as Colorado, and down the Sierra Nevada to Oregon and California. Pressured by activities such as trapping, timbering, development and livestock grazing, these elegant carnivores have been nearly eradicated.

Their larger feet, fewer spots, and longer ear tufts distinguish Lynx from their close relative, the Bobcat. They frequently climb trees, and may leap upon passing prey. The large ear tufts enhance hearing, and the large feet of the Lynx enable it to travel swiftly over snow in pursuit of prey. The dense fur allows silent stalking; Lynx are also powerful swimmers. Lynx will cache prey, partially covering it with snow or forest litter. Lynx are usually silent, but may shriek or utter a wailing scream during the mating season. Lynx breed following their first year, generally in January or February. The gestation period is 60 days, with a litter size of 1 to 6. Kittens are born streaked and spotted and will remain with their mother through a first winter. Kittens begin foraging at two months and are weaned by three. Lynx predators include man, mountain lions, bears and other Lynx.

Elusive populations of Lynx still exist in northern and central Idaho. Two Lynx were killed in southern Idaho in 1972; one near Jerome, Idaho, and one 5 miles south of Hansen, Idaho in the South Hills. Snowshoe Hare populations and suitable Lynx habitat still exist in the southeastern mountains of Idaho, including within the Black Pine, Jim Sage, Albion, Middle, and Cassia Mountains. Suitable habitat for remnant populations of Lynx also exists in many other areas of the state where known populations were previously extirpated.

Lynx populations in the continental U.S. were heavily trapped from the mid 1800s to the early 1900s. Hudson Bay Co. records indicate approximately 2 million Lynx and nearly 3 million Snowshoe Hares were taken between 1845 and 1905! Idaho's remnant Lynx populations of today are still being pushed closer to the brink of extinction through human activities.

Other predators have been forced to compete with Lynx through loss of habitat and prey sources. Dispersed recreation and backcountry development have encroached upon Lynx territory. Livestock grazing has led to a loss of forage for many native wildlife species, resulting in population declines of Lynx prey such as the Snowshoe Hare. Timber harvest practices are a serious factor in the decline of Lynx and their prey base populations. Clear-cutting and similar timber removal practices can have devastating effects on many wildlife species such as Snowshoe Hare and Lynx. Removal of fallen timber, prescribed bums, and road construction interfere with both denning and forage habitat. Other factors such as highway mortality or the loss of habitat to large projects such as water impoundments have also played a part in the decline of our Lynx populations.

Historic Lynx habitat exists throughout Idaho as a mix of private, state, BLM and Forest Service lands. Despite a federal listing this year as "threatened" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, destruction of Lynx habitat, prey and prey base habitat has continued, if not accelerated, throughout Idaho. State and federal land management agencies are refusing to initiate required consultations for the preservation of Lynx populations and their necessary habitat/prey on lands under their jurisdiction. The interested public must become actively involved in helping preserve a future for the Lynx - one of our more elusive and endangered wildlife species.

Lewis, L. and Wenger, C. 1998. Idaho's Canada Lynx: Pieces of the Puzzle. BLM. Boise, ID.

Whitaker, J. 1997. National Audubon Society Field Guide to N. American Mammals. Knopf, N.Y.