A group of lynx in northwestern Ontario unintentionally created a social media buzz when they crossed the road on New Year’s Day. Constable Zack Stubbington from the Armstrong OPP captured the moment on video, showing an adult lynx leading three kittens across the road. Stubbington excitedly counted five lynx in total, expressing amazement at the sight.
The video, shared on social media, quickly gained widespread attention. Lynx populations in Canada follow a 10-year cycle influenced by food availability, according to Brian McLaren, an associate professor at Lakehead University. When food is abundant, lynx populations increase, leading to more frequent sightings.
McLaren noted that lynx kittens typically stay with their mothers for around 10 months. Spotting a second adult lynx with a family is less common, suggesting the fifth lynx in the video could be a female from a previous litter. Male lynx are known to be solitary animals.
In an interview, Stubbington mentioned that while he often records wildlife sightings, this particular video received unprecedented attention. His passion for the outdoors and wildlife spotting led him to pursue a career in northern Ontario, encouraging others interested in a similar path to consider opportunities with the OPP in the north.