Lynx Seen in Vermont

by
posted on October 22, 2016
lynx-underpass.jpg
It's not in the slightest bit rare for suburban or rural homeowners to spot wild animals, especially in Vermont. However, seeing a Canada lynx there is a once-in-a-lifetime event. This June, the residents of a rural Londonderry home had that unique experience. Thankfully, they were able to snap a good, identifiable picture, making it the first confirmed evidence of a lynx in Vermont (outside the extremely wild Northeast Kingdom) in decades. You see, lynx are a very specialized predator, preying almost exclusively upon snowshoe hares. Where there aren't any snowshoe hares, there tend not to be any lynx.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department's Chris Bernier, a wildlife biologist, said, "Vermont has never had a large or stable lynx population. Records of lynx in Vermont were extremely rare even at the time of the earliest colonists, and have remained infrequent." Continued Bernier, "We believe lynx may have dispersed into Vermont following a boom in Maine's lynx population in the early 1990s."




There's even more evidence: Back in May, a University of Vermont student's camera trap captured a black-and-white image of a lynx using a wildlife underpass under Route 9 in nearby Searsburg. Enthused Bernier, "We were thrilled to see the animal using a wildlife underpass that was created for the express purpose of allowing animals to pass safely under the road."

Male lynx are known to travel long distances, so Bernier believes that there is a strong chance this may be the same lynx in both sightings. Biologists regularly monitor lynx habitat in the area and have not picked up other evidence of the animals locally, indicating that it is unlikely that lynx have established a resident population in southern Vermont. 

Just one more reason to keep your trailcams powered up and a phone on you when you venture outdoors--you never know when you might be able to make wildlife news!


Latest

Hms Victoria
Hms Victoria

Throwback Thursday: Tall Ships, Big Guns

“A gunner at sea ought to be skillful and courageous; for the strength of the ship is put into his hands.”

NRA Range Development & Operations Conference to be Held August 21 - 22, 2025, at NRA Headquarters

Giving attendees a forum to share their knowledge, and ensure the public has safe and convenient places to shoot.

Wild Table With Savage Arms: Venison Enchilada Meatballs

Today's weather report: Cloudy with a chance of delicious.

New Guns 2025: Escort Shotguns' ERX Bolt-Action ... Rifle? Yes, Rifle.

Just because the company's name is Escort Shotguns doesn't mean they can't create a bolt-action rifle.

How to Choose the Pocket Knife You Really Need

It's one of those tools that everyone should have...including you.

Conservation Federation of Missouri: Partnership with NRA Hunter's Leadership Forum Means $30K Donation to Share the Harvest

“We are very honored and proud to be a part of the Conservation Federation of Missouri’s network to help with their important initiative."

Interests



Get the best of NRA Family delivered to your inbox.