By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
A local Maine guide, firefighter and paramedic — who’s seen his share of the unusual and unique over the years — experienced his first Canada lynx sighting up-close over the weekend and was able to get some amazing photos of the cat in the process.
During an outing on Saturday, Scott Cyr, of Fort Fairfield, not only spotted a lynx but was able to spend some quality time with one of Maine’s most elusive wild animals.
“I took some photos of wildlife while snowmobiling and snowshoeing in T13-R7, west of Portage. When I first noticed the lynx, it was on a bank sunning itself,” said Cyr, owner of Northern Wilderness Adventure Guide Service.
Cyr, who also got photos of eagles, partridge and more during his trip, said he was able to spend a considerable amount of time watching the lynx.
“I watched him/her for about 20 minutes before it just sauntered off,” Cyr said.
In one photo, the cat is pictured yawning, as if seeing a human wasn’t such a big deal.
“The cat was uninterested that I was even there and at times looked bored with me,” he said.
A life-long resident of Aroostook County, Cyr said this was his first such encounter with this magnificent species.
“I know that sightings of lynx are on the rise around the area, but this was my first encounter in my lifetime of spending time in the outdoors with the cat. This will leave a lasting impression,” said Cyr. “They are such a majestic animal.”
For more information on the Canada lynx — which is classified by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife as a “federal threatened, state species of special concern” — visit www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/species/mammals/canada_lynx.html.
