Update Mon Jan 16: It is a lynx. The two times I’ve seen lynx in the wild, I was always amazed at the size of their feet. Facts about Canada Lynx (Thanks, Barb, for the link.)
The Banff trail report indicates that Redearth Creek was trackset yesterday. I’m planning on skiing Goat Creek to Banff today while the conditions are still good. The weather forecasts for Banff are very conflicting. Environment Canada is calling for 5-10 cm of snow, whereas Weather Network and Snow Forecast are not predicting any. One point of agreement, they are all expecting highs for today to be below freezing. Not so for Tues and Wed.
CherylB, one of the skiers who posts trip reports, was at the party tonight. She related a story about a special sighting she had today at the top of Whiskey Jack where it meets Pocaterra, and has now sent me the above photo. She says in her email,
“Hope these work ? my hands may have been shaky as I was pretty excited to see it!”
Can you guess what it is?
I was pretty amazed to see it – never thought I’d be so lucky. I kept my distance so it didn’t run off right away. Bob is right about their paws – it wandered off down Pocaterra, and when I eventually followed, I was looking for where it left the trail, but couldn’t identify its tracks amongst the snow bombs from the trees. It leaves almost no trace. I’m really not sure if it was unaware of me, or just completely unconcerned, but with those incredible ears and nose, I’m pretty sure it had to be aware of my presence (just more interested in sniffing at potential snacks around the picnic table, or tracking prey that had been sniffing around the table). I reached the junction at 3:30pm, so late starts can be good! That’s when the critters reclaim their space from us, and we may just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse 🙂
Bobcat?
Thinking it’s a Lynx. That’s great you got to see it. Thanks for sharing the pic.
i certainly do. lucky her.
but i won’t give it away!