Frequent sightings of lynx lately in South Porcupine – especially north of the mall – have the natural resources ministry issuing a bulletin.
Outreach specialist Meghan Forbes advises you not to approach a lynx, especially if it has one of its kittens with it, or an animal it has killed. And don’t offer it food.
“Don’t run,” Forbes emphasizes. “Very similar to if you encounter a bear. A cat’s instinct is to chase, so if you try to run, it might chase you anyway.”
If you’re with others, stay together as a group. Face the lynx and talk firmly while backing away.
Forbes says among other advice is to keep your dog leashed so it doesn’t provoke an attack, especially if it’s a small dog.
“If you’re putting them out at night,” she adds, “make sure you go out with them or you have the backyard of the yard lit up so you can see what’s out there before they go out.”
HOW TO AVOID CONFLICTS WITH LYNX:
- Consider motion-sensing lights for all walkways around your home.
- Watch for signs of animal activity such as tracks, claw marks and droppings.
- Keep dogs leashed so they do not provoke attacks by wild animals.
IF YOU ENCOUNTER A LYNX:
- Never approach the animal, especially if it’s near a kill or with young.
- Never offer it food.
- Do not run. A cat’s 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.
QUICK FACTS
- The presence of a lynx passing through an urban area does not need to be reported to police or NDMNRF.
- Landowners who may be concerned about a persistent wildlife problem may contact the Timmins Fur Council, who will assist with live-trapping the animal (at the landowner’s expense).
- If a lynx poses an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour, call 911 or your local police.
LEARN MORE
- What to do in emergency and non-emergency situations: https://www.ontario.ca/page/preventing-and-managing-conflicts-lynx-bobcats-and-cougars.
-Source Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry