Dalhousie Lynx Sighting Prompts Urgent Pet Safety Advisory

Lynx Sighting Puts Dalhousie Residents on Alert

A recent social media post detailing a lynx sighting in Calgary's Dalhousie neighbourhood has residents on alert, sparking immediate concerns for pet safety and prompting calls to keep small domestic animals indoors.

While Canada lynx are native to North America's dense boreal forests, primarily preying on snowshoe hares, their diet expands to other small mammals and birds when hares are scarce. These powerful wild animals are not domesticated and pose a significant threat to small pets, including cats and dogs, which they may perceive as prey. With sharp teeth and claws, lynx are inherently dangerous and capable of inflicting severe injuries.

In response to such wildlife encounters, the City of Calgary and Alberta Fish & Wildlife consistently advise residents to secure garbage and food attractants. Critically, pet owners should keep cats indoors and ensure dogs are on leashes when outside. For non-emergency wildlife concerns, residents are encouraged to contact 311 or Alberta Fish & Wildlife.