SALMON, Idaho: A Canada lynx has been documented in Idaho for the first time in over 15 years when the imperiled cat was inadvertently caught in a foot-hold trap in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, state wildlife officials said on Tuesday.
“It’s a very rare occurrence,” Tom Keegan, regional manager with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, said about the incidental capture last week of the high-elevation, forest-dwelling cat.
He said a man walking his dogs spotted the lynx on Thursday in the rugged mountains of east central Idaho in a legal trap set for bobcat and notified state wildlife officials. They released the animal unharmed.
The last lynx confirmed in the 4.3 million-acre forest surrounding Salmon was in 1991, when one was accidentally trapped. The cats were documented elsewhere in Idaho during the 1995-1996 trapping season, after which trapping lynx was outlawed.
Lynx were designated in 2000 as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species in the lower 48 states, where they roam the high country from Maine to Washington and south through the Rocky Mountains.
The animals have long legs and large, well-furred paws, making them highly adapted for hunting in deep snow for preferred prey like snowshoe hares, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Lynx are infrequently sighted. Biologists mostly rely on tracks and scat to document the reclusive animal’s presence.
Fewer than 100 lynx are believed to roam the mid- and high-elevation forests of Idaho, where they are classified as a “species of greatest conservation need.”
Just 40 lynx have been recorded in east central Idaho since the late 1800s, according to Fish and Game.
A DNA sample collected from the recently captured cat will be analyzed to verify it is a wild lynx and to gain knowledge about its possible origins, Keegan said.
Like wolverines and other elusive forest carnivores, lynx can travel long distances, even hundreds of miles, he said.
Keegan said it was too early to say whether the lynx found in the Salmon-Challis forest was a sign of the animal’s return to its historic range or if it was a random event.
“There’s all kinds of speculation. It may be a transient animal or a resident animal,” he said.
(Editing by Dan Whitcomb and Cynthia Johnston) (Reuters) http://news.yahoo.com/first-canada-lynx-15-years-found-idaho-032631571.html
Play Online Valentine’s Day Game Of Video Poker
Here is a fun little Valentine’s online poker game to play online. You can play it online here or you can send this game as free eCard. Place a bet and then click on cards to try to make a hand. Use the bonus rounds to try to get more winnings.
Be sure to order your Valentine’s Day gift in time for the special day. It is a gift your loved one will cherish because it shows you care for them and for making the world a better place.
January 30, 2012: Last Monday, Judge Caldwell denied a motion brought by Michael Sandlin and the Tiger Truck Stop (TTS) that sought to suspend Judge Caldwell’s order while Sandlin and TTS appealed.
In other words, Tony would have stayed put at the truck stop until after the appeal ran its course, which could take months.
Instead, Judge Caldwell’s order instructing the Department to revoke the permit will go into effect right away.
Sadly, this does not necessarily mean Tony is leaving the truck stop soon.
Sandlin has filed his own lawsuit against the Department, which has been temporarily restrained from taking any action to remove Tony.
ALDF attorneys are doing everything they can to resolve these conflicting orders to make sure Tony makes his way to a humane, accredited sanctuary as soon as possible.
As you may remember, a wildlife official recently posted a YouTube video of himself encouraging his dog to attack a terrified bobcat that was trapped in a leg hold trap. After torturing the bobcat this way, he shot the bobcat. Commissioners have asked him to step down, but he refuses saying HE’S being harassed. ABC is covering this story (see video below)
PLEASE take a moment to email the Dept. of Natural Resources and the Commission with your thoughts, since they are deciding how to proceed….we need to continue educating the public about the cruelty of trapping, as well as this obvious form of animal abuse:
Nevada statutes that make it illegal to allow a dog to “molest” wildlife: sections 503.631 and 503.636.
ABC News Coverage – “Man behind trapped bobcat video says he’s being harassed”
Watch news coverage video at http://bcove.me/w369qs73 By Katie Crowther CREATED Jan. 31, 2012
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) — It’s bobcat versus dog in a controversial video that many say is animal cruelty. Now, the man behind that video claims he’s being harassed.
Metro confirms Tracy Truman, the Vice Chairman of Clark County’s Wildlife Advisory Board, filed a police report because he’s worried about his safety.
According to police, an unidentified man has called Truman’s law office more than once, regarding the bobcat video.
Tuesday night, the Clark County Wildlife Advisory Board met for the first time since the video surfaced. There was extra security in place. The meeting was held in the County Commission chambers. Armed officers stood watch inside and out.
More than a dozen people signed-up to speak in front of the board.
“It’s not right,” said one animal activist. “I am disgusted.”
“I was horrified when I saw that video,” Gina Griesen added.
“It’s cruel, and very ugly,” Mirrell Grimes said. “He should be removed from the board immediately.”
Truman was missing from the meeting. He was advised not to show up. He’s the man behind the camera in the video – holding the chain, pulling the the trapped bobcat back and forth – as a dog barks relentlessly. Truman can be heard encouraging the dog, saying “get him boy!”
Truman posted the video on an animal trapper website. Once it hit YouTube, it prompted a firestorm of controversy.
Truman says the video was taken out of context, and was an educational tool meant to show other trappers that a dog doesn’t have to make contact with a trapped animal. His critics don’t buy that.
But, not everyone that spoke at the meeting was against Truman.
“I think that Tracy Truman is a great person, and I think he is a great member of your wildlife board,” said one supporter. “Regardless of this video, he’s done a lot of good.”
“Anybody here that knows Tracy, that’s spent any time with him, knows how good of a guy he is,” added another supporter. “What he did is not illegal.”
The Nevada Department of Wildlife is investigating whether the video is proof of animal cruelty. The Clark County Commission is also looking into it. It’s ultimately up to them whether Truman will keep his spot as an appointed member of the Wildlife Advisory Board.
On Tuesday night, the chairman of the board, acknowledged the video’s disturbing nature.
“You can’t say anything other than it’s kind of a horrifying thing to watch,” Pat Dixon said.
The Clark County Commission is expected discuss the issue at it’s next meeting on February 21st. Truman, who has met privately with some individual commissioners, refused to step down, even after Commissioner Steve Sisolak asked him to do so.
Commission Chris Giunchigliani was at the Wildlife Advisory Board meeting Tuesday night. She says she was disgusted by the video, and spoke of the need for more regulation in the trapping industry.
Truman also serves as Vice President of the Nevada Trappers Association. Animal pelts/fur, can sell for hundreds and thousands of dollars.
http://www.ktnv.com/news/local/138461664.html
Chris does a safety check on Kissing Booth before giving to leopards
Jade the leopard peeks out at volunteers from her Kissing Booth
What kind of cat tail is black all the way around at the end like this?
Leopards Jade and Armani inviting volunteers to their Kissing Booth
Jack the cat is all kissed out
Put your caption for this photo in the comments below
Scott Haller leaping off the Kobelco. Big Cat Rescuers can leap large equipment and fly too!
The American Tiger
“Privately owned pampered American tigers are fatter, live longer and have never had to hunt for their dinner. Many Scientists believe these tigers serve no purpose and call them ‘junk tigers.’ Others believe their unique genetic makeup could help save wild populations. But no one really knows if these captive bred tigers can be taught to hunt and be re-introduced into the wild. And many of these tigers are a mixture of different subspecies, which scientists claim makes them ineligible for re-introduction.”
Montreal-based Peripheria Productions presents a startling and very up-close and personal look at the debate over The American Tiger, in this most informative documentary – airing on CBC-TV’s The Nature of Things with David Suzuki, Thursday, Feb. 2, at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episodes.html
Part of the debate involves the issues and effectiveness of the federal, state and local laws related to the private ownership of tigers. Watch closely for interview segments with Lisa Ann Tekancic, president of WildCat Conservation Legal Aid Society, as she explains the legal complexities of the controversy.
The American Tiger on CBC-TV’s The Nature of Things with David Suzuki, Thursday, Feb. 2, at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT)http://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episodes.html
Here is a free online Valentine’s game called Space Out One. It is a brick breaking game with five levels. each level has a different photo under the bricks. This game is dedicated to Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida. You can also send this game as a free Valentine’s Day eCard. If you are interested in a co-branded version of this game to help promote traffic to your website while helping us promote Big Cat Rescue’s website, please contact us.
Do tigers, lions, leopards and other species of big cats purr like domestic cats? We’re often asked this question so check out the video for answers.
Save Bobcats From Sport Hunters
Let’s all walk the talk! NY is asking for public input on their planned expansion of bobcat hunting. Hunters have spoken up. Can you imagine if every animal lover did, too? Leghold trapping is one of the most inhumane forms of abuse. Won’t you answer the appeal of this bobcat and take a moment to email your thoughts by Feb. 16
Please send an email TO: fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us SUBJECT: Bobcat Plan
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP
Collins Zoo Rescue Video
Support HSUS for helping end abuse through their undercover operations.
A couple months ago Big Cat Rescue started ordering some great products online, instead of many of the cleaning and grocery products that we buy every week at supermarkets. The reason we chose to do so is because the products are eco friendly, safe around pets, economical and we were really hoping that they worked. If so there is a residual income that could help support the sanctuary and our people who chose to get involved.
Here are a few things we learned:
The products are great and in every case so far have proven to be more effective than the alternatives. Around the sanctuary, probably the most impressive have been the dish and floor cleaners who have proven to do a better job at degreasing than Dawn. This has been great for washing down our cooler, food prep floors, the cat hospital and the food and clean up buckets.
The products are concentrated which makes them cheap to ship and then they last a long time. They really do work when diluted with water like their label suggests.
So far it has been an easy sell and easy money for the cats. Because of the hectic holidays we haven’t had time to really share the products with others but with just 9 of our staff and volunteers signing up and 7 of their friends doing the same, Big Cat Rescue has already gotten commission checks for $801.95 ! That buys some cat food !
Find out how your grocery shopping can help save big cats and/or how you can make an extra income by helping others here: http://bigcatrescue.org/household
Army Sergeant organizes crew of soldiers to help Big Cat Rescue
Ops Mgr Gale shows Intern and Volunteers how to hang a door
Founder Carole Baskin and Ops Mgr Gale measure cage for bracing
Gale hanging at 12 foot height while ringing the cage wall together
Army volunteers work to clear out under growth for cage expansion
Willow the Siberian Lynx loves her new platforms thanks to Volunteers
You and a guest could win 4 Days/ 3 Nights at the world famous Sirata Beach Resort, a St. Pete Beach front Hotel, Airfare, Big Cat Rescue Keeper Tour, Dolphin Watch Cruise, and more! Random drawing on March 15th
Play Online Valentine’s Day Game Of Video Poker
