Lynx sightings

Canada Lynx sightings in Minnesota

This summary includes all reports of Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) observations in Minnesota reported to the DNR and entered in its Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS). The species received federal threatened status in March 2000, a status which persists today along with a state designation of Special Concern. We are grateful for the cooperation of the U.S. Forest Service, Superior National Forest, and countless members of the public in providing us with many of the sightings included in this summary.

 

Picture of a Canada Lynx

Interpretation of reports

A sighting is considered "VERIFIED" if any of the following criteria are met:

  1. A diagnostic photo, video, or sound recording of the animal is provided
  2. A diagnostic photo of a footprint is provided
  3. The observation lacks either of the above but the description adequately rules out Bobcat (Lynx rufus), and the observation occurred in an area/part of the state with previous confirmed observations or known lynx activity
  4. DNA analysis of tissue or scat has confirmed the identification
  5. The observation consists of location data from a telemetry-collared animal
  6. The observer is a known expert or otherwise has considerable experience with lynx

A sighting is considered "PROBABLE" if either of the following two criteria are met:

  1. A photo, video, or sound recording of the animal is provided but by itself is not diagnostic, but strongly suggests lynx
  2. The observation lacks a photo, video, or sound recording but the description suggests lynx, and the observations occurred in an area/part of the state with previous confirmed observations or known lynx activity

A note about the data: few observations are the result of a systematic effort to find lynx in Minnesota. The vast majority are the product of incidental encounters, and as such, reports tend to cluster along roads and other places frequented by observant and interested people. Thus, these reports tell us something (however incomplete) about where lynx are, but absolutely nothing about where lynx aren't. Similarly, we cannot know the relationship between the number of reports and the number of lynx in Minnesota at the time of the reports.

If you have a lynx sighting to report to us, please email [email protected] with the following information:

  • Date and time of observation
  • Location information, including legal description and/or coordinates of sighting
  • Description of animal, including physical appearance and behavior
  • Observer’s full name
  • Observer’s contact information (i.e. phone, email, mailing address)
  • Any supporting documentation including photos, videos, or sound recordings
map of lynx sightings

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