Gary Shattuck, a Vermont resident, had an extraordinary encounter while driving through central Vermont when he spotted what he initially thought was an odd-looking bobcat. Intrigued, Shattuck recorded the animal and sent the footage to Vermont Fish & Wildlife for identification. Much to his surprise, the agency confirmed that he had stumbled upon a rare Canada lynx—an elusive species not seen in Vermont since 2018. This sighting was especially significant as Canada lynx are federally threatened and state-endangered in Vermont, making their appearances extremely rare. The video was shared by Vermont Fish & Wildlife on social media, sparking excitement among wildlife enthusiasts.
Canada lynx are known for their distinctive features, such as large back feet, black-tipped tails, and upward-sloping hindquarters, which set them apart from bobcats. Vermont Fish & Wildlife provided a guide to help the public identify the lynx, which had long been a topic of interest among locals hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare animal. While some expressed concern for the lynx’s thin appearance and calm demeanor around humans, the agency reassured the public that the animal was likely passing through the area in search of new territory—a behavior known as “dispersing.” They believe the lynx has already moved on, as these creatures are capable of covering great distances across Vermont’s wild terrain. The agency wished the lynx well on its journey, emphasizing the significance of the sighting.
