1st Canadian lynx seen in Idaho forest since '91
CHALLIS, Idaho (AP) — Idaho biologists confirmed the first sighting of a Canadian lynx in 21 years in the Salmon-Challis National Forest after one of the rare cats was inadvertently snared by a foot-hold trap.
A local recreationist reported the lynx after sighting it in the trap.
Department of Fish and Game officials arrived within the hour, assessed it for injuries and released it.
They've collected samples of its scat and hair, to determine its origin.
Biologists concluded the cat is likely hunting the area's healthy population of snowshoe hares, a prime food source.
Fewer than 40 lynx have been recorded in the Salmon-Challis since 1896. The last verified record was a lynx trapped inadvertently in 1991, though tracks were reported in 2010.
Lynx are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
A local recreationist reported the lynx after sighting it in the trap.
Department of Fish and Game officials arrived within the hour, assessed it for injuries and released it.
They've collected samples of its scat and hair, to determine its origin.
Biologists concluded the cat is likely hunting the area's healthy population of snowshoe hares, a prime food source.
Fewer than 40 lynx have been recorded in the Salmon-Challis since 1896. The last verified record was a lynx trapped inadvertently in 1991, though tracks were reported in 2010.
Lynx are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
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