Nothing purrs as quiet as a Sherpa.

« Last Saturday morning, I was out grooming the ski trails. I came
across a freshly killed deer in the middle of the trail – obviously
someone’s breakfast. I moved the remainder of the carcass to the side
of the trail. When I came back an hour later two lynx were back
having breakfast.On the next trip by, all six of the lynx were
having a small banquet. In retrospect, I should have gotten a shot of
the Sherpa in the picture. You could have used the slogan « Nothing
purrrs as quiet as a Sherpa ». I see the lynx quite often and they
don’t seem to be bothered by the sound of the Sherpa.

The lynx are Northern cousins of the US bobcat. There are two families,
two mothers and 4 kittens – although the kittens are now almost as big
as the moms. The males don’t stick around to help raise the kids –
typical males.The lynx have become quite domesticated. They used to vanish
into the bush but now they just hang out with us on the trails. I see them on
a weekly basis. Usually out catching a rabbit for breakfast.

It is amazing to watch them hunt, especially the kittens. They crouch down
low and slink along the trail, stopping every few yards to check on
the rabbit they are stalking in the bush. They are very fast and are
able to stay on top of the snow with their big furry paws. Last week
I stopped the Sherpa about 10 feet away from the lynx. She sat on the
trail staring intently into the trees for about 10 minutes, not moving
a muscle. When the fans kicked in, it spooked the rabbit that she was
watching and the chase was on.

Pictures attached!
Take Care
….Grant »

Credits: Grant Bourree, President of Wapiti Ski Nordic Club, Grande Prairie, Alberta / www.wapitinordic.com