On New Year’s Day in northwestern Ontario, a surprising sight unfolded as a group of lynx, led by an adult with three kittens, crossed a road, inadvertently sparking a social media sensation. Constable Zack Stubbington of the Armstrong OPP captured the moment on video during his patrol, where he counted a total of five lynx in the group. The footage, which Stubbington shared on social media, quickly went viral.
According to Brian McLaren, an associate professor at Lakehead University, lynx populations in Canada follow a 10-year cycle tied to food availability. During times of abundance, lynx numbers increase, leading to more frequent sightings. McLaren noted that lynx kittens typically remain with their mothers for about 10 months. The presence of a second adult in the lynx group is less common, with McLaren speculating that the additional lynx could be a female from a previous litter, as male lynx are known to be solitary creatures.
In a recent interview, Stubbington expressed his surprise at the overwhelming response to the lynx video, emphasizing his passion for wildlife and the outdoors as driving forces behind his career with the OPP in northern Ontario. He encouraged outdoor enthusiasts interested in law enforcement to consider opportunities in the northern regions for unique wildlife encounters.