Rare predators caught on trail cameras in intense skirmish: 'Incredible footage'

Spotting a single Canada lynx on a trail camera is already a thrilling experience, but capturing two in a tense standoff is exceptional. KBJR shared footage showing an unusual encounter between two of these elusive cats.

The video was recorded using a trail camera from the Chik-Wuak Museum and Nature Center in Grand Marais, Minnesota. It opens with one lynx walking along the trail, moving in and out of frame while making subtle noises. The scene intensifies when a second lynx gradually enters the shot as the first one pauses near the camera.

When the lynx closest to the camera pretends to charge, the second lynx reacts immediately. In a matter of moments, the two are mere feet apart, vocalizing loudly at each other. Rather than engaging in a physical fight, they communicate through eerie, resonant sounds. Off-camera growls are audible, and eventually, one lynx calmly returns to view as the clip concludes.

This rare interaction highlights the value of trail cameras in monitoring threatened species like the Canada lynx. Bonnie Shudy, director of the Chik-Wuak campus, noted that both lynxes are familiar visitors to the trail. Observations like these are significant since the Canada lynx has been classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act since 2000, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

The species faces multiple challenges, including habitat loss in dense forests and declines in their main prey, snowshoe hares. Accidental trapping also poses a risk to their survival.

Conservation initiatives, such as those by Chik-Wuak and Colorado Parks & Wildlife, are helping make sightings more frequent. Remarkably, the Canada lynx has even been seen as far east as Vermont. Social media viewers were fascinated by the video, sharing reactions like, My cat flattened his ears hearing this, and My 100 lb dog had to get up on the couch and sit next to mommy. One commenter joked, Glad they talked it out.

Author: Sophia Brooks