Report from Nick Wirsten
Lynx spotted in local woods
From the Galloway News 13 th December 2002
THERE has been a glimmer of hope this week with several sightings of the lynx
missing from a Kirkcudbright wildlife park.
The lynx, which went missing more than two weeks ago, has been spotted on
several occasions in the Barrhill woods area and also in the Mutehill area.
Concern has been growing after reports of people seen in the woods with air
rifles, apparently in an attempt to shoot the animal.
Director of Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park, John Denerley, urged people
not to do this as they risked frightening the lynx which could lead to it
becoming dangerous.
Police said they had not received any formal reports of this behaviour but
urged people to contact them directly if they saw the animal.
Sergeant David Blacklock said they had contingency plans in place to capture
the animal with the help of a vet if they could.
He said: "If anyone sees the animal I wold urge them to call us or the
wildlife park. It has been spotted on several occasions, and sometimes two or
three times a night, and each time we go out and try and capture it, but so
far with no success. We need people to let us know where it is so we can
establish a pattern of its movements."
Mr Denerley said they had traps in place in the woods and they were moving
them regularly to try and capture it.
He said: "I am however very concerned if there are people going into the
woods with air rifles. This is also dangerous if children are in the woods.
It would also be worse if the animal was shot as it could defend itself
vigorously."
He said the animal would normally feed on rodents such as rats, hares and
small deer and the longer it remains in the wild it will be getting more used
to it.
He said that the lynx was also an expert at catching birds.
He added: "They are renowned for their expert ability to catch birds, leaping
high into the air and hitting the bird with their paw. On rare occasions they
have been spotted catching food up in trees. They are also more active at
night."
He said in the winter however it would be likely to be seen hunting during
the day and perhaps hiding in disused burrows or rock crevices.
He made a further plea to the public: "If you see the animal, please report
it to the police or contact us immediately. Please do not try to shoot the
animal, otherwise she may pose a danger."
The wildlife park can be contacted n (01557) 331645.
Galloway News, 13 th December 2002
 |
 |
 |
|
| Return to index | Return to Scottish Big Cats | Return to Dumfries and Galloway | Return to 2002 |