Two lynx have been spotted in a Scottish national park after an illegal release
Inverness: So, it turns out there are two lynx roaming around in the Scottish Highlands. They were likely let loose illegally, which is a bit of a worry.
These cats can grow up to 3 feet long and are pretty skilled hunters. They usually go after animals that are much bigger than themselves, like red deer, which are common in the Cairngorms National Park.
A spokesperson for the park said they’ve been alerted about this situation and that Police Scotland is on it. They’re working with the park authority to figure out what happened and what to do next.
They really don’t like the idea of wild animals being released like this. It’s not just about the lynx; it’s also about the safety of everyone involved. They’re asking folks not to approach the lynx if they see them, as these animals are pretty shy.
Interestingly, lynx have been gone from Britain for about 1,300 years, mainly due to hunting and losing their homes. Now, some people think bringing them back could help control deer populations and let forests thrive.
There’s a chance that around 400 lynx could live in the Scottish Highlands if the environment is right. But, finding these two might be a challenge since they’re solitary and prefer to stay out of sight.
Police Scotland is asking anyone who knows anything about the lynx to reach out. They’ve spotted them near Kingussie, and specially trained staff are helping to track them down.
So, if you’re in the area, keep your distance and don’t go looking for them!
