A group of lynx in northwestern Ontario unintentionally made a social media splash on New Year’s Day by crossing the road, catching the attention of Const. Zack Stubbington of the Armstrong OPP during his patrol. The group consisted of an adult lynx and three kittens, totaling five animals as seen in the video captured by Stubbington. The video, showcasing the lynx family crossing the road, quickly went viral after being shared on social media platforms.
According to Brian McLaren, an associate professor at Lakehead University, lynx populations in Canada follow a 10-year cycle influenced by food availability. During periods of abundant food, lynx populations thrive, resulting in more frequent sightings. McLaren noted that lynx kittens typically stay with their mothers for around 10 months, making it unusual to spot a second adult lynx with a family. He speculated that the fifth lynx in the group could be a female from a previous litter, emphasizing that male lynx are typically solitary creatures.
Const. Stubbington, in an interview with CBC News, expressed his surprise at the widespread attention the video received, mentioning that capturing wildlife sightings is a common occurrence in his line of work. He highlighted his passion for the outdoors and wildlife spotting as major factors that led him to pursue a career in northern Ontario, encouraging others interested in a similar path to consider opportunities in the region.