Discussion
Are there any wildlife experts who would care to hazard a guess as to what this might be? Bobcat? Lynx? Very poor quality short video and first comment contains similar poor quality image. It's larger than the fox. But doesn't look like a coyote. And no visible tail.
Edit: the consensus seems to be bobcat. Thanks for all the input!
Location: Nova Scotia
@elliek @danmccullough No matter what:
Do. Not. Open. Door. If. You. Hear. A. Meow.
@elliek Wow this is great footage, Ellie! Hopefully you’ll get a return visit.
I’ve never seen a lynx so I guess I’ll vote for bobcat. Those paws look a bit smaller than some of the pix I’ve seen of lynx.
@danmccullough
I'll thinking you're right along with other guesses.
Thanks!
I've since discovered that lynx are not located in this area any longer, due to competition from bobcats and coyotes, and we have coyotes here for sure.
@elliek I was curious about how to spot the differences and found an article that's local. I love this quote:
While the bobcat looks very similar to the domestic cat, the lynx looks like a jacked-up sports model.
https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/annamarie-hatcher-wildcats-roam-the-biosphere-433716
Thank you! Pretty sure it's a bobcat, especially after reading this.
@elliek @StaceyCornelius I would wager a bobcat. The rear end is not raised up like a lynx. We have all three around here but in 27 years I have only seen one lynx. Also, lynx are an endangered species in NS. The only way more can get to NS is across the Chignecto Isthmus which has many obstacles and NB Power now wants to build a gas plant in the middle of it.
@harold
There are apparently a few in the Cape Breton Highlands, so I'm thinking you're right that it isn't a lynx. We're too far.
And to make their way across that Causeway wouldn't be easy either. And why would they?
@StaceyCornelius
@elliek What a great discovery! Really curious to see if you get a return visit. Maybe something more leisurely so you can figure out for sure 🤞🏼
If there's no lynx, that leaves bobcat as the only choice. I don't see it as being anything but feline, but I have no particular expertise, especially with the big cats I've never seen in the wild.
That was my first thought when I saw it, that it was feline. And stocky. I hope it stays out of the snares whatever it is.
Thanks for the thought.
I’d say bobcat, but I’m not used to having to differentiate a bobcat from a lynx.
@donray
I think the tufted ears, which are lynx, if we could see the ears better might give a clue. So I think bobcat more likely too
I found this graphic. It might help. Also, if you could measure the footprints, that might be a clue.
The arched back might be something noticeable in low resolution. To me, the critter’s back is arched at first, then seems straight later🤔
@donray
Great graphic, thank you. I'll see if there are footprints, but there's been snow since, so probably not
Still photo of the animal in question.
The lynx here are lanky, big paws, and longish, tufted ears. Given that this one looks more stocky, I would wager bobcat, but I've never lived in bobcat country.
@knapjack
You could be right. I haven't seen one here for many years, though I'm sure we did about 20 years ago. The population is in decline here, apparently.
BT Free is a non-profit organization founded by @ozoned@btfree.social . It's goal is for digital privacy rights, advocacy and consulting. This goal will be attained by hosting open platforms to allow others to seamlessly join the Fediverse on moderated instances or by helping others join the Fediverse.
