Watch a Calgary Man See an Incredibly Rare Lynx and Attempt to Pet It

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As chance encounters with wild animals are increasing in areas across the world, people need to take a cautious approach to these interactions. While some animals, like the lynx, may look cute and cuddly, they are still wild animals and should be treated with respect. 

A recent video from Jason Vi’s YouTube channel shows a man who happens upon a wild lynx. At first, the meeting between the two goes well, as both keep a safe distance. However, things quickly change when the man tries to pet the lynx. 

Naturally, the large cat perceived the attempt to touch it as a threat, resulting in the man almost being struck by one of the creature’s large paws.  

While this encounter with a wild lynx may have ended with a defensive strike, there are several other instances where both cat and human interacted at safe distances, creating a memorable experience. 

As more and more of the lynx territory shrinks due to human development, many experts predict the creature will find its way into populated areas more frequently. 

In the following sections, we’ll explore where lynx typically live, what’s causing them to navigate toward urban and suburban areas, and what to do if you encounter one. 

Where Do Lynxes Typically Live?

Lynxes are medium-sized wild cats that thrive in forested areas across North America, Europe, and Asia. The most common species in Canada is the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), which primarily inhabits boreal forests.

These cats are well-adapted to cold climates, with thick fur and large, snowshoe-like paws that help them move efficiently through deep snow.

In Alberta, most people experience lynx sightings in the Rocky Mountains, foothills, and dense northern forests. Their populations tend to rise and fall in tandem with hare populations, creating natural cycles of abundance and scarcity throughout the region.

Why Are More Lynxes Moving into Populated Areas?

Lynxes are still elusive creatures, and most prefer to stay hidden rather than interact with people. However, as human expansion continues to overlap with wildlife habitats, encounters with these wild cats are becoming more frequent, leading to surprising and sometimes risky interactions like the one witnessed in Calgary.

Lynx sightings in urban or suburban areas are increasing for several reasons, including:

Habitat Loss

As cities and rural developments expand, the natural spaces that lynxes rely on are shrinking. Logging, road construction, and land development also destroy their territory, diminishing it each year and forcing them to roam farther in search of food and shelter.

Food Scarcity

As mentioned above, the population of lynxes coincides with the availability of snowshoe hares. When hare populations decline in natural cycles every 8–11 years, lynxes must travel greater distances to find alternative food sources, sometimes leading them into human-inhabited areas.

Climate Change

Changing weather patterns can impact food availability and suitable habitat for the creature. Milder winters or shifting snowfall levels can also affect snowshoe hare populations, influencing a hungry lynx to move closer to populated areas. 

Sometimes, shorter winters may even drive lynxes to explore new territories outside their usual forested environments. If they locate a new food source closer to a town or city, they’re more likely to stay in the area instead of returning to the forests. 

Curiosity

Unlike cougars or wolves, lynxes are not known for being particularly fearful of humans. While they typically prefer to avoid people, some, especially younger lynxes, may be more curious or bold. 

They may also become more comfortable venturing into populated areas if they grow accustomed to human presence or associate people with food sources.

Encounters with Other Predators

Lynxes share territory with larger predators like cougars and wolves. If competition for food or territory increases, a lynx may be pushed out of its usual range and into less conventional spaces, including near human settlements.

Are Lynxes Friendly or Dangerous?

Lynxes are not typically aggressive toward humans but are still wild animals and tend to be shy and elusive, unlike cougars, which are more powerful predators. 

However, their calm demeanor can be misleading, and people should keep their distance as the creatures are still predators with sharp claws and strong jaws.

A lynx may appear indifferent or even approach out of curiosity, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to interact with. Attempting to pet or feed a lynx is extremely risky and could provoke defensive behavior. A lynx can and will use its claws and teeth to protect itself if cornered or threatened.

What Should You Do if You Encounter a Lynx?

While lynxes are generally shy and avoid human contact, encounters are becoming more frequent. If you come across one, follow these safety tips:

Stay Calm and Keep Your Distance

Lynxes are more likely to leave on their own if you remain still and do not startle them. However, sudden movements or loud noises could provoke a defensive reaction. 

Unlike large predators like bears or cougars, lynxes do not typically stalk or attack humans, so staying calm and giving them space is usually enough for them to move along.

Avoid Approaching the Lynx

Even if a lynx appears friendly or indifferent, it is still a wild animal, and you should tread cautiously. 

Some lynxes may seem comfortable around humans, especially if they have had previous non-threatening encounters, but that does not mean they are safe to touch. Approaching a lynx could be misinterpreted as a threat, causing it to react defensively toward you. 

Make Yourself Look Big

If the lynx does not leave immediately or appears too comfortable around humans, try standing tall, raising your arms, and speaking in a firm, confident voice.

These actions can help establish dominance and discourage the lynx from coming closer. However, avoiding sudden aggressive movements is important, as this could escalate the situation.

Allow Plenty of Space for the Lynx to Make an Escape

Like many animals, a lynx that feels cornered may lash out in self-defense. Make sure it has a clear exit path and avoid blocking its way. 

If you are inside a structure (such as a shed or garage) and a lynx has wandered in, open doors or windows to allow it to leave on its own.

Secure Pets and Small Animals

Lynxes are skilled hunters and may see small pets, such as cats or small dogs, as potential prey. People who live in an area with frequent lynx sightings should keep pets indoors, especially at night. 

If you have outdoor animals like chickens or rabbits, ensure they are in secure enclosures that prevent lynx access.