A special moment with a Canadian Lynx

I got the opportunity to see a Canada Lynx up close in the wild in BC. A rare treat and first for me!

Since being in the presence of a wild Lynx for a sustained time is so rare, I wanted to share it with you. I just love their green eyes and large paws and their look with their shorter forelimbs than their hindlimbs. They can climb and swim really well too. Lynxes have huge paws, which allow them to not only stay warm in harsh Canadian winters but to walk across snowy surfaces quietly. This allows the Lynx to not alert their prey so they can successfully ambush, chase and catch them. Their large paws are advantageous in another way as they act as snowshoes. Their paws distribute their body weight over a larger surface area, so they don’t sink deep in the snow. 

I got to watch it wiggle its little tail and see it snooze and bask in the sun and hunt which was fascinating to see. It folds its ears down and its body becomes flat. All the while it is quiet as ever, as it watches the prey and prepares for the ambush. They usually hunt nocturnally but can hunt any time of day. It was a spiritual experience to be in its presence. How I wish my mother could of seen it with me. She would of loved this beautiful, mystical creature.

Lynx in British Columbia - Photos: Melissa Hafting

Comments

  1. Shou Ye GauthierMarch 1, 2022 at 8:51 AM

    This is super cool Mel! An unforgettable encounter for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Brian BemmelsMarch 1, 2022 at 9:08 PM

    That is just wonderful! Such a rare and precious time. Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa HaftingMarch 3, 2022 at 3:15 PM

      thanks my friend it really was a special experience to be in this animal's presence and see it so relaxed.

      Delete
  3. Ed PullenMarch 3, 2022 at 6:17 AM

    WOW!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa HaftingMarch 3, 2022 at 3:14 PM

      haha thanks ed. I'm coming down this weekend for that whooper swan you have. hope it sticks!

      Delete

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