A group of lynx caught on camera in northwestern Ontario on New Year’s Day unintentionally created a social media buzz by crossing the road. Constable Zack Stubbington of the Armstrong OPP witnessed an adult lynx with three kittens navigating the road, totaling five lynx in the video. The footage, showcasing this rare sighting, was widely shared on social media platforms.
Lynx populations in Canada follow a 10-year cycle influenced by food availability, according to Brian McLaren, an associate professor at Lakehead University. When food is abundant, lynx populations increase, leading to more frequent sightings. McLaren noted that lynx kittens typically stay with their mothers for about 10 months, making it unusual to observe a second adult lynx with a family, suggesting that the additional lynx might be a female from a prior litter.
Stubbington, in an interview with CBC News, expressed his surprise at the attention the video received, emphasizing his passion for wildlife recording and the allure of spotting animals in the outdoors. He encouraged individuals interested in a career with the OPP and a love for nature to consider opportunities in northern Ontario.
