A Prince Albert family snaps a photo of this lynx that appeared in their backyard on Feb. 10. (Submitted Photo)

By Derek Craddock

BIG KITTY

Lynx prowls through West Flat, startling residents

Feb 10, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Some residents in Prince Albert’s West Flat area got quite the shock on Friday after a lynx came crawling into their neighbourhood.

The massive cat eventually found its way up a tree on 13^th St. near 19^th Ave, in the backyard of one home.

One person in the home told paNOW that Conservation Officers informed them that once the lynx runs out of food, it would walk away. However, once it made its way up the tree, the family said it stayed there for roughly four hours eating.

A Lynx walks toward the Rotary Trail near 13 St. and 19 Ave. West in Prince Albert (Submitted Photo)

They were concerned though because many cats roam that neighbourhood.

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In a statement sent to paNOW, the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety said they received the report of the lynx at the edge of the city near the North Saskatchewan River on Friday afternoon. The statement goes on to say that lynx are shy and wary of people, so conflicts with humans are rare.

“River valleys are commonly used by all kinds of wildlife, including lynx, as habitat and natural travel corridors,” the statement reads. “Prince Albert’s location in the forest means that it’s fairly common to see wildlife near or even in the city. Residents need to be aware of wildlife in the area and practice caution and safety when enjoying the outdoors.”

Conservation officers and Prince Albert police were patrolling the area in the West Flats on Friday afternoon.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock