Environment

It May Look Like a Hoax, But This Photo of a Rare Lynx Is Apparently Real

The Canadian lynx is a rare and elusive animal. But one captured by a motion-sensing camera in Banff Park in Alberta, Canada has wildlife biologists all abuzz. It has the Blaze crew, who have seen way too many photographs such as this generate excitement only to be found as a hoax later, a touch skeptical. And can you blame us? Last year we reported how some award winning photographs of lynxes were found photoshopped.

According to the Regina Leader Post, wildlife experts were excited at not only spotting the animal but because it appears to be using a wildlife “overpass,” one of six installed as part of a project to provide animals a safe crossing near the Trans-Canada Highway that cuts through the area. The Daily Mail reports officials saying in 15 years the lynx has only been seen using the overpass six times, leading them to believe they are wary of it.

Wildlife Camera Spots Rare Canadian Lynx Using Overpass

Image snapped of elusive lynx using the overpass. (Photo via Regina leader Post)

The Leader Post reports the low number of sightings could be because the park is only expected to hold a couple dozen of the animal and also because some of the overpasses are relatively new and there could have been less of a chance for cameras to catch the animals using it.

Where we begin to get a bit suspicious of the photograph are from details mentioned by those involved in the project themselves. The Leader Post has more:

  • “It was like he was posing for us,” says Tony Clevenger [with the Western Transportation Institute] of the March 28 photograph. “It’s like he’s floating on top of the snow — it’s really compelling.”
  • “I’ve only had a glimpse of one in the wild, so to capture such a clear image is a rare treat,” [Trevor Kinley, a biologist and road ecologist, said.]
  • According to the Leader Post, the animal looks like it’s “floating” because of its snowshoe-like paws — even though it weighs about 30 pounds. Other sources confirm the paw structure is ideal for walking on snow.
Wildlife Camera Spots Rare Canadian Lynx Using Overpass

Here the animals appear to be sinking into the snow more.

Wildlife Camera Spots Rare Canadian Lynx Using Overpass

To be fair though, you can see the "floating" effect here as well.

There’s also the fact that the lynx appears quite large compared to its background in the photo.

But a biologist and road ecologist for Parks Canada says it’s the real thing.

“The remote cameras are left there for weeks at a time,” says Trevor Kinley “Most of the time, we see bears, deer, elk.”

“I’ve only had a glimpse of one in the wild, so to capture such a clear image is a rare treat,” he adds.

Well, okay then.

But if Bigfoot appears on the same camera, we’ll let you know.

Comments (111)

1 2 3
  • crabbyoldman
    Posted on April 14, 2012 at 12:12am

    I seen big foot once. Really.

    Report Post »  
    • blackyb
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 12:21am

      Tell us about that big foot thing. I like strange stuff. That is why these leftists spark my curosity. To me their thinking is so contrary to what I can really believe they really think. It is like I think they are playing a game of some kind. It really does not seem real. It is foreign to me, repugnant, and unbelievable.

      Report Post » blackyb  
    • db321
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 12:43am

      Yea I saw Big Foot too! It was at a Ron Paul Speach – we were all getting high on some Happy Smoke this 10ft Harry Man walked in. Really man, and the skinny old dude on stage just keep freaking us out talking about the Federal Reserve – yea, this Ron guy is going to burn the Federal Researcher down after he is elected! That was one weird party man!

      Report Post » db321  
    • followtheexample
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 1:01am

      I saw bigfoot too…he is 23 years old and still lives upstairs in my house…..

      Report Post » followtheexample  
    • Anse
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 4:30am

      @BlackyB

      not a single word of what you just wrote makes sense

      Report Post »  
    • Msgt Ret
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 8:14am

      @BLACKYB: Yea, Its like the reality show the administration is putting on where he taxes us into prosperity, and the other one where he GIVES EVERYONE free quality healthcare! All the brain dead are salivating as the wait for the next installment.

      Report Post » Msgt Ret  
    • mtnclimberjim
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 9:21am

      I have a friend that has one. The cats name is Jinx. He goes all over the place Salmon fishing in his motor home and stays with us during the run. Jinx stinks like hell. You think a cat box reeks, You should smell this cat. Outside he is OK, but the motor home and his car stink to high heaven.
      The cat is a mean little rascal too.

      Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
    • str8blues
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 10:27am

      BlackyB So what you‘re saying is that what you were thinking is contrary to what the lefty’s think making your thought of reality being on a different train of thought than your previous thinking. In reality your thoughts that you were thinking may have been thoughts the lefty’s make you think when you give thought to…….wah? Big Foot? I never thought of that. Profound.

      Report Post »  
    • Shiroi Raion
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 2:29pm

      I used to “float” on snow when I lived in New Hampshire. The top of the snow would freeze overnight and you could walk on it without leaving footprints. When I was a kid, we used to dig tunnels in the front yard and the next day we could walk atop them because the snow was frozen so hard. So seeing a 20 or 30 lb lynx “floating” on snow is no surprise to me.

      Report Post » Shiroi Raion  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 4:07pm

      Actually, the local Fish & Game here had a “biologist” that faked “evidence” of a Canadian Lynx in order to make thousands of acres of wilderness off limits to citizen access.

      Some how, I don’t trust “evidence” any more. And that’s a shame, because I come from a scientific background. Government “IS” not what you think it “IS” these days.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • thetreyman
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 5:12pm

      knock em’ out John……….wont be long.

      Report Post » thetreyman  
    • 2ndOpinion
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 9:58pm

      I saw a related species, ‘Big Ears’. He lives in the White House.

      Report Post »  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on April 15, 2012 at 1:42pm

      Beautiful cat.

      Report Post » techengineer11  
  • lukerw
    Posted on April 14, 2012 at 12:09am

    I had a LYNX… it got 40 miles to the gallon :)

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • blackyb
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 12:18am

      I had one too. Bought a new one, the motor blew out in 5 years. One of those cats would have done me a better job. Pretty car though. LN7, silver, red interior. I guess I missed it. Tough. Gone, but not forgotten.

      Report Post » blackyb  
  • wisehiney
    Posted on April 14, 2012 at 12:03am

    Looks like a cross between an airedale and a tabby cat.

    Report Post »  
  • blackyb
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 11:29pm

    That one cat looks stoned. They are pretty until you see their eyes. Wonder if they look that evil if they are not stoned? They really are built for speed. Usually I look at an animal and feel some kind of understanding. That one picture makes me feel a bit edgy, not like I really want to spend time wanting to get to know it. This animal seems to have a smaller head that is not in proportion to the rest of its body. This animal is built to kill and eat. No petting allowed. So I guess I will not see it in a petting zoo.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • welovetheUSA
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 10:34pm

    What is so rare……….we have thousands of them in Alaska.

    Report Post » welovetheUSA  
    • stumpy68
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 7:39am

      I watched one feed on a dear carcass for almost a week in
      my father in laws yard they are getting fairly common in northern Maine too.

      Report Post » stumpy68  
    • Amica
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 12:20pm

      Stumpy: So…I‘m guessing your father in law doesn’t live in the suburbs??

      Report Post » Amica  
    • stumpy68
      Posted on April 15, 2012 at 9:25am

      lol we would have to drive 50 miles to find suburbs

      Report Post » stumpy68  
  • JACKTHETOAD
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 10:32pm

    @PAUL & OHIO – Everybody knows it’s baseball season, my boy.

    Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
  • llotus
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 10:26pm

    Knock him out John. Lotus.

    Report Post »  
    • DonaldH
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 7:55am

      LOL!! A souped-up BobCat!! “Shoot up here amongst us and give one of us some relief” “ Knock him out John”

      Report Post » DonaldH  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 10:21pm

    That is the strangest looking Lynx I have ever seen.. Little tiny head huge body it sort of reminds of that picture of Obama coming out of the ocean… so obvious it was his head but not his body!
    http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=obama+on+the+beach&view=detail&id=843CA493748967113F8BA61AEA5B61C53912930B&first=0&qpvt=obama+on+the+beach&FORM=IDFRIR

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • HorseCrazy
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 10:58pm

      this is the strangest looking one I have ever seen as well. they don’t look like this in my back yard they are proportionate. this one has a small head and giant legs and feet. it is a very odd looking creature

      Report Post »  
  • Quiata
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 10:19pm

    Meow.

    Report Post »  
  • Akridgerunner
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 10:14pm

    To anyone who lives in the north that photo doesn’t look like a hoax in any way. They are gorgeous animals and coats made of their fur is incredibly soft and luxurious. When their population is at a high in their cycle, which is dependent upon the rabbit cycle, you see a lot of them along some roads and they don’t seem to fear humans or cars and will just sit by the road and look at you if you stop. Pretty cool….

    Report Post »  
    • blackyb
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 11:33pm

      Maybe it is so cold they have grown extra fur and it makes their head look even smaller. This one does looked stoned. Those in a line makes me want one. I am sure they would feel differently. Those are best left alone to do lynx things.

      Report Post » blackyb  
    • rawmilker
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 1:12am

      I like them, they are exquisite creatures…I have lots of their cousins the bobcat on our property. I don’t mess with them unless they try to slip up near the chickens or calves. Usually its coyotes we have trouble with…

      Report Post » rawmilker  
  • duhwut
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:51pm

    See?!?! Sseeee?!?! I told you he was real!!!!! I told youuuuu!

    He is real!!! Look at him!! You can’t deny me anymore!!! Its real!!!

    Wha- what don’t you see??!! I’m telling you its real!!!! I found him!! !!

    You can see it!!1!!!! Loook!!! Look, look….

    He’s half man, half bear, half pig……

    Manbearpig!!!!!

    O boy i’m so excited!!1!!!

    Report Post » duhwut  
  • NeoKong
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:48pm

    What a gorgeous coat that would make.

    Report Post » NeoKong  
  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:48pm

    Wow and to think they’ve never been caught on the hunt either.

    Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
  • seldomscene
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:45pm

    Holy crap! That is one big, buff boo boo kitty.

    Report Post » seldomscene  
    • Mark0331
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 10:05pm

      …your handle is also the name of a great bluegrass band…if not familiar with, check it out…if familiar with, awesome….

      Report Post » Mark0331  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:42pm

    Oh he11. I guess this means that since the Lynx is still alive that the EPA will stop by my house and tell me that I can’t use Diatomaceous Earth in my pool filtering system. S u c k s big time!
    Why couldn’t you stay hidden you dumb feline?

    Report Post » The-Monk  
  • food plot 7.62
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:41pm

    Thats one mean ass cat.

    Report Post » food plot 7.62  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:37pm

    Beautiful animal I must say. Have a deep respect for cats anyway. We have 6 right now along with our dog. Living out in a rural area the cats earn their keep by keeping the field mice and ground squirrels in check. On rare occasions the best hunter of them will snag a regular tree squirrel. They do all come in at night though. Have seen some bobcats around here too along with plenty of fox and a variety of other animals. That is why we make sure they all come in at night.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • txannie
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 10:57pm

      Love my cats. Here in TX we have a bunch of venomous snakes. My cats eat them like spahgetti. Really. They kill them and eat them. They don’t bother the chickens ’cause the hens flog the heck out of them, but they sure keep the rodents and snakes away. Love my cats.

      Report Post » txannie  
    • mr.goodvibe
      Posted on April 15, 2012 at 10:22am

      TXANNIE, This animal loves snakes too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg

      Report Post » mr.goodvibe  
  • VermontPatriot
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:28pm

    That cat is all leg. Mean lookin’ mutha!

    Report Post » VermontPatriot  
  • Rick Steele
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:24pm

    I’ve seen Bobcats walking in our neighborhood. they’re quite large, the size of a small German Sheperd. They hunt the deer here, but I also saw one once with a rat in his mouth.
    Sarasota, Fl

    Report Post »  
  • kindling
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:22pm

    It doesn’t look unlike the one that eats our chickens. It is so brave as to come right up to our back door and wait for us to let the cat out.

    Report Post » kindling  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:20pm

    Wonderful, I hope the pictures are authentic. To see such magesty in a photo would be one thing, but pale compared to seeing the real thing. Twice I have in my life seen cougars close up (a few yards away) and was amazed by them; to see a lynx…would be the thrill of a lifetime.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Jenny Lind
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:33pm

      There really is nothing better than seeing a free animal in it’s true setting.

      Report Post »  
    • JACKTHETOAD
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 11:00pm

      Thought you’d like that one, Snow. It is beautiful.

      Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
    • Cat
      Posted on April 15, 2012 at 2:24am

      Snow >

      Finding a gator nest with eggs, but not seeing the cow (or bull), is about as close to wild as it gets, but seeing a panther with cubs, or eagles in an Aerie, sent pleasant shivers up the spine …

      Report Post » Cat  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on April 15, 2012 at 11:42am

      They are a cool animal, however not rare or endangered. I object to people with an agenda (canada parks service employee) making it out that these are in any way rare in their natural range. They give this impression to the gullible who then vote for environmental regulations that harm humans and other animals including Lynx.

      Report Post » dmerwin  
  • The Gooch
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:20pm

    You get suspicious when animal experts point out facts about an animal that lives in subartic conditions? My first thought was the paw structure of the lynx. This is not a glorified house cat. This is a bad muthah bred to hunt in a harsh environment. As long as its not hauling tail, it could well walk on top of snow and not ‘punch’ thru.
    Leave the speculation to the Bigfoot stories. Hey, maybe it was a lynx ghost!!! I sure do love me some boogey man stories.

    Report Post »  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:16pm

    In the first photo, with the Evergreen trees in the background, the Lynx looks like a 20 foot tall giant.

    I saw a Lynx in person while camping back in the 70′s. Very beautiful and graceful. Always wanted one for a pet back then. I’m a bit smarter now….

    Report Post » The-Monk  
    • TeslanEdison
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 1:31am

      You should see what the Russians did with the wild fox in their fur breeding facilities, they were able to fully domesticate after about 15 years or so, some traits included markings on the heads and paws. Apparently if you domesticate, ie find the traits that people like most affectionate, looking for human touch, the animals have distinct markings ie mutations associated with those genetic qualities.

      My cat is so domesticated, he just lays here on my lap while I work at the computer.

      Report Post »  
  • paperpushermj
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:11pm

    Beautiful Animal.

    Report Post » paperpushermj  
1 2 3

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love