Why B.C. Conservation resists calls to move lynx in Kamloops

B.C. Conservation is resisting pressure to remove a lynx that appears to have taken up residence for several days in a Kamloops park.

The animal continues to dine on ducks in McArthur Park, where the fowl are roaming about in plentiful numbers.

However, several people have been posting complaints on Facebook, as can be seen here, about groups of animal-watchers crowding near the lynx every day, and they're wondering why conservation officials haven't relocated the wild cat.

Conservation officer Graydon Bruce told iNFOnews.ca relocating the animal might not be best for it. 

"Because that lynx is in town, that leads us to believe there are low (food sources) in the woods, so if we were to relocate it, now we're potentially… risking that animal's life by moving it right now." 

Officers are also concerned about causing the lynx undue stress, and say they would only remove the lynx if the animal clashed with a person or a pet.

"It's a very low-probability because that animal has quite a bit of space to escape if it needs to and lynx are just a very low-risk species when it comes to conflict with people," Bruce said.

Conservation officers have made multiple visits to the area in attempts to ensure people aren't invading the lynx's space. And while he says it's fine to observe the cat, he wants people to do so from a distance. 

"If people are seeing repeat offenders or people getting too close, a bit of social policing, mention to each other 'hey, let's enjoy this animal and not create a situation where we have conflict between the people and the animal,'" Bruce said.

He believes the cat will remain in the park for weeks to come.

"We suspect it to stay there for a little while longer but seasons tend to change animal behaviour so it may move out later this year, but that's unknown for now."

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