Another Lynx Family

I witnessed another lynx family recently as they were crossing a frozen river. The mother went first and the kittens followed, one at a time and very apprehensively until all of them had crossed. There have been a lot of lynx in my life lately. It feels symbolic and ultimately, they may end up teaching me more about myself and my own journey.

Have a great week out there and let's hope for civility and cooperation as we navigate the coming days.

Colin

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A kitten leaps over the darker, thinner river ice to reach its mother on the other side.

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I was focused on the timid kitten near the edge when another darted across the frame.

Another Lynx Kitten and Proposed Hunting/Trapping Season in Chugach State Park

Happy Monday, everyone! Here's another lynx kitten to start your week.

While on the topic of lynx, you should be aware that the Alaska Department of Fish & Game has issued an emergency order to open lynx hunting and trapping in Chugach State Park. On September 21st the Alaska Wildlife Alliance, Friends of Chugach State Park, and Anchorage attorney Kneeland Taylor filed a petition to close the upcoming lynx hunting and trapping season. The public comment period has ended but if you would like to read their petition and learn more about what the Alaska Wildlife Alliance does, you can visit their Facebook page or their website: https://www.akwildlife.org/. I am a member and truly hope they will be able to prevent this from happening. Lynx populations are cyclical and based on the boom and bust cycle of snowshoe hares, their primary food source. While lynx sightings have been more common in recent years they are still rare, generally speaking, and will soon be less frequent as the hare population declines. This petition does not seek to prevent the taking of lynx statewide, but only in Chugach State Park where people recreate and might have the unique opportunity to view one of these elusive creatures in the wild.

Thank you,

Colin

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Baby Lynx

Warning: cuteness overload!

Baby lynx - this little feline was born last spring and will stay with its mother for roughly ten months, at which point the mother is ready to mate again. They can bear litters every year, depending on food supply.

Lynx live in thick forests with lots of undergrowth, which are home to their main food source - snowshoe hares. This also makes it difficult to photograph them. I found myself in many awkward positions yesterday, trying to find unobstructed views. This moment was brief as it was snuggled up to its mother but I was able to make a couple of nice images.

Enjoy, and thank you for following along.

Colin

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