A group of lynx was filmed crossing a road in northwestern Ontario on New Year’s Day, unintentionally becoming the focus of a viral social media moment. Constable Zack Stubbington of the Armstrong OPP captured the sight of an adult lynx with three kittens traversing the road during his patrol. The video shows Stubbington counting five lynx in total, expressing amazement at the scene. The footage was later shared widely on social media platforms.
According to Brian McLaren, an associate professor at Lakehead University, lynx populations in Canada follow a 10-year cycle influenced by food availability. When food is abundant, lynx populations increase, leading to more frequent sightings. McLaren noted that lynx kittens typically remain with their mothers for about 10 months, and it is uncommon to observe a second adult lynx with a family, suggesting that the fifth lynx in the video could be a female from a previous litter.
In an interview with CBC News, Stubbington mentioned that while he frequently documents wildlife sightings, this particular video garnered unprecedented attention. He attributed his passion for the outdoors and wildlife spotting as significant motivations for pursuing a career in northern Ontario, encouraging others interested in such experiences to consider a career with the OPP in the region.