Another lynx has been spotted in Kamloops, this time at McArthur Island Park Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Joe Goodell
January 26, 2021 - 5:45 PM
Backyard chickens may be part of the reason behind the recent increase in wildcat sighting in Kamloops.
Another lynx was spotted within Kamloops city limits today, Jan. 26, this time in McArthur Island Park. Joe Goodell saw the lynx this morning while playing disc golf with a friend.
"It seemed to not want to be bothered, but we had no pets and weren't concerned for our safety," Goodell said. "The deer nearby did seem concerned though."
Kamloops-based conservation officer Rob Armstrong says an increase in urban poultry might be to blame.
"Chickens are definitely on the menu for lynx, as are free-roaming house cats," Armstrong said.
Two lynx have been captured and brought to the BC Wildlife Park already, one has been located and released. But Armstrong says although there have been more sightings than usual, there's been no concerning patterns so far.
"We are currently seeing a natural low cycle of rabbits and upland game birds in the Thompson region, which likely makes natural food sources a little tougher to come by," he said.
Armstrong also emphasized it's important for the public to do their part in reducing wildlife conflicts by keeping small pets indoors as much as possible and by making it more difficult for these predators to prey on them.
"We can expect lynx and bobcats to venture into town, and if they find a food source they are likely to stay," Armstrong said. "If we hope to keep these cats safe and wild it is vital the public does their job to prevent them from accessing food sources in town."
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