October 27, 1999
Web posted at: 12:54 p.m. EDT (1654 GMT)

Today, small populations of Lynx are believed to remain in only three of the 16 states they historically inhabited.

Today, small populations of Lynx are believed to remain in only three of the 16 states they historically inhabited. It has been 68 years since the Canada lynx was last officially spotted in Utah.

Nevertheless, scientists are still combing the area for the elusive cat.

State and federal biologists have been searching for a trace of the Canada lynx, the only lynx that lives in the lower 48 states. Since an actual siting may be too much to ask, they are looking for any sign that Canada lynx have a continued presence in Utah, even a few lynx hairs.

Biologists have been setting up "hair snares" -- carpet patches scented with beaver musk, catnip and other tasty enticements -- in hopes a lynx prowling the area will rub against it and leave behind some fur. A DNA analysis of the hair would be conducted at the University of Montana this winter.

Similar studies are being conducted throughout other regions of the country including Oregon and Montana, as a part of a larger effort to help determine whether the lynx should be listed under the Endangered Species Act. The species is proposed for threatened status as of Monday.

"Part of the problem with lynx is that it is not generally hunted. Consequently, most Fish and Game departments have not done population studies on Lynx," explains Fish and Wildlife spokesperson, Diane Katzenberger.

Snowshoe hairs are an important part of the lynx diet.

A recent report was conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to address the lack of scientific information on the Canada lynx.

Released in August the report addresses all aspects of lynx biology, conservation and management. Co-authored by 18 American and Canadian lynx ecologists, the report warns, "it is unwise to assume that populations can be reduced or further isolated without sharply increasing the risk of their individual and collective extinction."

The Canada lynx feeds primarily on small mammals and birds, and is especially dependent on snowshoe hare as prey.

Historically, the cat was a resident of 16 states in the contiguous United States: Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. In addition, lynx occasionally disperse into six other states - North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio and Virginia - but were not considered resident in those states.

Today, lynx are believed to remain in small populations in only three of the 16 states in which they historically inhabited - Montana, Washington and Maine - and are considered extremely rare or extirpated in the remaining states. Habitat loss may be the greatest contributing factor in the decline of the species. Exact population numbers are uncertain.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to make a final ESA listing decision by Jan. 8, 2000.

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