News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
February 1, 2006
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.state.nh.us
For information and online licenses, visit 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us

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February 1, 2006
CONTACT:
Iain MacLeod, N.H. Audubon (603) 224-9909 x346
Liza Poinier, NH Fish and Game (603) 271-3211 

NOTE TO MEDIA: Print-quality photos of the tracks may be downloaded at 
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us

	    FRESH TRACKS INDICATE RARE CANADA LYNX 
	    "JUST PASSING THROUGH" JEFFERSON, N.H.

CONCORD, N.H. -- Professional trackers have identified the tracks of an 
endangered Canada lynx in Jefferson, N.H. The trackers made the 
discovery while working on a New Hampshire Audubon project studying the 
behavior of wildlife crossing US Route 2 in Jefferson and Randolph. 

Mark Elbroch, lead tracker for the N.H. Audubon project, and Rose 
Graves, project assistant, say the tracks show that the lynx crossed the 
highway on the night of January 26, 2006, heading north. The trackers 
spotted the cat's tracks in fresh snow the following morning, and followed 
the trail leading to and from the road. "Based on the characteristics 
of the trail, I'd say this lynx was probably just passing through the 
area," said Elbroch, who has tracked professionally for many years. 

Canada lynx, which are listed as "endangered" in New Hampshire and as 
"threatened" under the federal Endangered Species Act, occurred in small 
numbers in New Hampshire through the 1960s. Michael Amaral of the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service notes that the nearest known breeding 
population of Canada lynx is in Maine; he said that some radio-collared Maine 
lynx "have been radio-tracked more than 200 miles, so New Hampshire is 
well within the dispersal distance of known lynx populations in Maine." 
The last documented lynx in New Hampshire was a road-killed animal 
found in the early 1990s. Amaral has made a couple of tracking trips in 
recent years to follow up on credible reports of lynx in New Hampshire; of 
the recent track discovery, he said, "I wish it had been me!" 

Amaral describes prime lynx habitat as being primarily forested 
landscape with a diversity of (tree) age classes. "Lynx require snowshoe hare, 
so habitat like beaver flowages with shrubby edges that support 
snowshoe populations are key to their survival. The most important habitat 
factor is regenerating forest -- whether it's been harvested or naturally 
set back by fire, insect outbreaks, or gaps created by old trees 
falling." New Hampshire still has substantial habitat fitting this 
description; so, although the entire state is at the southern end of the Canada 
lynx's natural range, it's not impossible that they could once again 
become established here in small numbers.

At about 3 feet long and 15-30 pounds, Canada lynx are at least twice 
the size of the average house cat. They have long, strong legs; short 
tails; prominent ear tufts; and long sideburn-style hair on the sides of 
their face. Lynx are often recognized by their huge, furry paws, which 
help them travel over deep snow. 

The US Route 2 and State Highway 115 Wildlife Crossing Investigation 
has been funded to date by the Merck Family Foundation. The New Hampshire 
Fish and Game Department and the N.H. Department of Transportation have 
pending fiscal and Governor & Council requests to continue the N.H. 
Audubon project. The purpose of the project is to gain information about 
wildlife movements up to, across and away from US Route 2 and Route 115 
within the study area. This information can then be used to help reduce 
traffic/wildlife conflicts in the area and other parts of Northern New 
England with similar habitat and traffic conditions. The project began 
in December, 2005, and data will be collected through June, 2006. To 
date, more than 3,000 highway crossings have been recorded in the study 
area by a combination of deer, moose, coyotes, red fox, grey fox, 
fisher, bobcat, otter and now Canada lynx.


New Hampshire Audubon is an independent statewide membership 
organization whose mission is to protect New Hampshire's natural environment for 
wildlife and for people. It operates five nature centers throughout the 
state that provide educational programs for children and adults. It is 
also involved in statewide conservation research and wildlife 
monitoring projects, protects thousands of acres of wildlife habitat, and 
advocates for sound public policy on environmental issues. For information on 
New Hampshire Audubon, including membership, volunteering, programs, 
and publications, call 224-9909 or go to http://www.nhaudubon.org.

N.H. Fish and Game is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and 
marine resources. Visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

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-- 
Copyright 2006 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, 
Concord, NH 03301.  Comments or questions concerning this list should 
be directed to lpoinier@wildlife.state.nh.us.