Canada Lynx in the Great Lakes Region 2009 Annual Report

Transcription

1 Canada Lynx in the Great Lakes Region 2009 Annual Report Ron Moen, Ph.D. Center for Water and Environment Natural Resources Research Institute University of Minnesota 5013 Miller Trunk Hwy Duluth, MN NRRI Technical Report No. NRRI/TR Release 1.0 Please contact author before citing as manuscripts are in review and in preparation If corrections are made to this Technical Report they will be posted at

2 Summary 2009 continued as a year of transition for the Canada lynx project in Minnesota. Radiocollared lynx have been present in Minnesota for the entire seven years of the project. Other than Dr. L.D. Mech's study in the early 1970s in which 14 lynx were radiocollared and monitored for up to a year, this project remains the only radiotelemetry project on Canada lynx in the central portion of their range in North America. We began when GPS collars became available that were light enough to be worn by lynx. We obtained over 15,000 locations of Canada lynx, and have technical reports, peer-reviewed papers, and annual reports both published and in preparation. We will continue to monitor radiocollared lynx, and place new radiocollars on lynx with available funding. We had two animals radiocollared at the start of 2009 in Minnesota and placed two new radiocollars in spring There was one mortality in In February 2010 a radiocollared lynx was harvested near Manitouwadge, Ontario, about 400 road miles from where he was radiocollared. We counted snowshoe hare pellets again in spring Pellet counts showed continued presence of snowshoe hare at densities adequate to support lynx. We did more plots than ever before, and we also counted over 15,000 pellets, more than in any other year. The 2009 pellet count data is not fully analyzed because a graduate student will be using it in a Ph.D. research project. We briefly review a technical report on lynx habitat in and near Voyageurs National Park in this report. We also provide a figure from a current project on lynx use of roads and cover types while on long-distance movements. The analysis of long-distance movements will be in a Technical Report released in We continue to enable results from this research project to be used for management and policy decisions. Results in some cases differ from previous research carried out in western states. The project website ( provides information to biologists and the general public. This website is a historical record of the project, lists project goals and accomplishments, and is a source of publications available for download. The project website is in maintenance mode, with periodic updates primarily being additions of publications and technical reports. ii

3 Table of Contents Summary... ii Table of Contents... iii List of Figures... iii List of Tables... iii Introduction...1 Radiocollaring Canada Lynx in Minnesota...1 Survival and Mortality...2 Reproduction...4 Location and Distribution...5 Prey Species and Hare Pellet Plots...7 Persistence and Abundance of Lynx in Minnesota...10 Use of Roads and Cover Types on Long-Distance Trips...10 Canada lynx habitat in Voyageurs National Park...11 The Future of Canada lynx in Minnesota...13 Website, Public Involvement, and Canada Lynx Sightings...15 Acknowledgements...15 Literature Cited...16 Appendix 1. Deliverables Listing...17 List of Figures Figure 1. Locations of Canada lynx traps in and near Superior National Forest in 2003 to Figure 2. Female with kittens seen in northeast Minnesota in January, Figure 3. Geographic extent VHF and GPS telemetry locations of lynx captured in this study...5 Figure 4. General patterns of long-distance movements and approximate locations of death in Ontario...6 Figure 5. Contrasting pellet counts in cleared and uncleared plots...8 Figure 6. Effect of number of plots on mean pellet counts...9 Figure 7. Long-distance movements of lynx wearing GPS radiotelemetry collars...11 List of Tables Table 1. A brief description of Canada lynx with transmitting radiocollars in Table 2. Current status of all radiocollared lynx in this project...3 Table 3. Regression parameters for comparison of pellet counts in cleared and uncleared plots...8 Table 4. Pellets counted on hare plot grids from 2004 to Table 5. Predicted pellet density (pellets / m 2 ) in 0.3 km 2, 3.1 km 2, and 25 km 2 circles in VOYA...12 iii

4 Introduction Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) are managed as a furbearer in most of Canada and in Alaska. Lynx occur at a density of < 3 / 100 km 2 during periods of hare scarcity in northern Canada and at densities > 30 / 100 km 2 during peak hare years (Poole, 1994; Slough & Mowat, 1996). The U.S.- Canada border is near the southern range edge of the species range, and lynx are listed as a Threatened Species under the Endangered Species Act in several states bordering Canada. Given the status as a Threatened Species, it likely that density of lynx in northeastern Minnesota is at or below the low density estimates for northern Canada. Much of northeastern Minnesota is not suitable habitat for lynx, because of human development, lack of conifer understory, lakes, and because lynx are approaching the southern edge of their range. Approximately 25% of northeastern Minnesota contains areas of predicted higher quality hare habitat (McCann, 2006; McCann & Moen, 2010) that also roughly corresponds to area classified as better lynx denning habitat (Moen et al., 2008a). If lynx were present on all of the higher quality hare habitat in Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties, about 200 lynx would be supported at a density of < 3 / 100 km 2 (Moen et al., 2008b). For comparison, in Minnesota density of wolves is about 4 / 100 km 2 (Erb, 2008), and density of bobcats is about 4 / 100 km 2 in Minnesota bobcat range. In the 2008 Annual Report I summarized data from the radiotelemetry project and from historical records to provide a biological framework to test the hypothesis that Canada lynx should be considered a resident species in Minnesota (Moen, 2009). In 2009 we continued the biological part of the project with radiotelemetry, hare pellet counting, and GIS analysis. We finished a report on the potential for Canada lynx presence in Voyageurs National Park (Moen & Windels, 2009). We began analyzing lynx use of roads and cover types on long-distance movements back and forth to Ontario. A proposal to develop the framework for a Lynx Advisory Committee that would find solutions to common problems in lynx management in Minnesota (Moen, 2009) was not funded. This Annual Report summarizes accomplishments of the Canada lynx project in Minnesota in Radiocollaring Canada Lynx in Minnesota We have used the same methods throughout the project, with minor modifications that improved techniques. Trapping and handling methods draw from protocols used on the Maine and Montana lynx research projects (Vashon et al., 2008; Squires et al., 2008; Squires et al., 2008). On the Minnesota lynx research project we have used these techniques in 66 captures (Moen et al., 2005; Moen et al., 2006; Moen et al., 2008b). As in 2008, traps were only placed in the southwestern part of the study area in 2009 (Fig. 1). 1

5 Figure 1. Locations of Canada lynx traps in and near Superior National Forest in 2003 to 2009, with the extent of 2008 and 2009 trap locations circled. Brown areas indicate Superior National Forest (SNF), and green areas are the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Voyageurs National Park is shown as stippled green area. We did not trap in the BWCAW even though at this map resolution it appears that a trap was placed in the BWCAW. VOYA SNF 2008 and 2009 BWCAW Lake Superior We had 6 lynx wearing radiocollars in 2009, but were only able to monitor 4 of these lynx (Table 1). The transmitters on collars worn by L32 and L33 have probably expired and their status is changed to unknown in this report. L32 and L33 have not been relocated since their last locations were in Ontario. Funding was not available to check locations in 2009, and limited funding also restricted trapping effort in However, we placed radiocollars on 2 new animals in We also replaced the VHF radiocollar on L28. Table 1. A brief description of Canada lynx with transmitting radiocollars in Each lynx is referred to in the report by the ID indicated here. Numeric designations are not sequential. Additional details on each animal are on the project web site ( and in Table 2 below. ID Capture Sex Status L28 3/1/05 M Captured near Isabella, MN. Has worn both VHF and GPS. L32 3/11/05 F Captured along the Gunflint Trail, fitted with a VHF collar. Last heard in Ontario. L33 3/19/05 M Captured west of Babbitt, MN and fitted with a VHF collar. Last heard in Ontario. L43 3/13/06 M Captured in the Sullivan Lake area, VHF collar. Eartagged as a kitten, L43 is a son of L07. L57 3/19/09 F Captured in the Sullivan Lake area, VHF collar. L58 4/06/09 M Captured in the Sullivan Lake area, VHF collar. Survival and Mortality Causes of death of lynx during this project have varied, with 15 of 19 deaths probably or known to be associated with human activities (Table 2). Additionally, 4 of 19 deaths have been due to legal harvest in Ontario, and at least 2 more animals have died in Ontario (6 of 19 known mortalities). There was 1 confirmed death in 2009 (L43), and 1 of the lynx that was radiocollared in 2009 was trapped in Ontario in 2010 (Table 2). L43 was monitored for almost 4 years because he was eartagged as a kitten in May 2005, radiocollared in March of 2006, and then died in March L43 had been born to L07, and he was the oldest surviving lynx that we had documented being born in Minnesota. 2

6 Table 2. Current status of all radiocollared lynx in this project. If status is unknown it is because the collar stopped transmitting, the animal moved out of range, or was otherwise lost. Status of lynx last located in Ontario is determined infrequently. Comments column gives a brief description of cause of death or other information. The LastLoc column indicates when the lynx was last located if status is alive or unknown. This table is an updated version of a table that appeared in the Final Report for phase 1 of this research project (Moen et al., 2008b). In the 2008 and 2009 report we have added the column indicating known (Y) or probably human-caused (PH) mortality. Natural Mortality was changed to Probable Natural Mortality (i.e., N to PN) in version 1.1 of the 2008 report (Moen, 2009). Some mortality events could be classified as PN or PH or Unknown depending on interpretation of evidence. General patterns included in reports would not change with reclassification. Status ID Sex Collar LastLoc DeathDate Days Human Comments Dead 1 M 03/14/03 11/26/ Y Trap, ON Dead 2 M 03/14/03 04/20/ Y Car kill, MN Dead 3 F 08/28/03 10/20/03 53 PH Unknown, collar cut, MN Dead 8 F 01/09/04 09/30/ PN Non-human caused, ON Dead 9 F 01/09/04 10/22/ Y Incidental Trap, MN Dead 10 M 01/13/04 06/01/ PH Unknown, near road, MN Dead 11 F 02/12/04 11/13/ Y Trap, Manitouwadge, ON Dead 16 F 11/29/04 04/28/ Y Train, MN Dead 19 F 03/01/05 11/02/ Y Shot, MN Dead 20 F 04/03/05 07/15/ PH Unknown, near cabin, MN Dead 23 M a 12/28/05 Y Incidental Trap, MN Dead 24 F 10/02/04 01/29/ PN Non-human caused, MN b Dead 26 F 01/08/05 1/10/ Y Trap, ON Dead 27 F 02/19/05 11/01/05 c 255 PH Unknown, near road, MN Dead 34 M 03/23/05 11/01/ PH Unknown, collar cut, ON Dead 49 F 12/18/05 03/17/06 89 PN Non-human caused, MN Dead 43 M 03/13/06 03/03/ PN Only collar found, MN Dead 56 d M 03/09/09 Y Car kill, MN Dead 58 M 04/06/09 1/31/ Y Trap, ON Alive 28 M 03/01/05 03/10/ Last location Sullivan Lake, MN Alive 57 F 03/19/09 03/10/ Last location Sullivan Lake, MN Unknown 32 F 03/11/05 04/30/ Last location in ON Unknown 33 M 03/19/05 04/30/ Last location in ON Unknown 31 F 03/10/05 04/30/ Last location Sullivan Lake, MN Unknown 4 M 09/14/03 03/18/ Last location near ON/MN border Unknown 5 M 09/23/03 07/11/ Last location in ON Unknown 6 M 12/09/03 08/23/ Last location near Isabella, MN Unknown 7 F 12/10/03 08/16/ Last location in ON Unknown 12 M 02/24/04 01/31/ Last location in ON Unknown 13 F 03/25/04 08/24/ Last location south of Toimi, MN Unknown 14 F 03/29/04 06/02/ Last location near Isabella, MN Unknown 15 M 03/31/04 02/24/ Last location in ON Unknown 17 F 03/08/05 08/01/ Last location Sullivan Lake, MN Unknown 30 F 03/09/05 09/21/ Last location in ON Unknown 35 M 04/09/05 04/01/ Last location near Isabella, MN Unknown 36 M 04/02/05 01/31/ Last location near Isabella, MN a Not radiocollared, ear-tagged at den. Called L21 at least once previously but correct ID is L23 b Appeared to be non-human caused from evidence at site but cannot be certain c Estimated date based on collar condition and location but cannot be certain d Had been released from trap as kitten because too small to radiocollar, DNA collected from scat 3

7 A second male lynx, L56, also died in March 2009 when he was hit by a car on Highway 53. We had previously collected scat from L56 in December 2006 in a box trap. L56 (and his brother, L55) were not radiocollared because they were too small. Thus, in March male lynx born in Minnesota died at almost 3 and almost 4 years of age. Next year we may try to develop a chart showing maternal and paternal relationships of radiocollared lynx for the annual report. One of the featured animals will be L28. L28 is a male who has been radiocollared for over 5 years (Table 2). Reproduction There were no adult female Canada lynx radiocollared in However, 3 females with kittens were reported by , 2 with photographic documentation (Fig. 2). It is possible that the litters were born in Ontario and female and kittens had walked into Minnesota, but this scenario is unlikely given measured movements of female lynx with kittens in this radiotelemetry project Figure 2. Female with kittens seen in northeast Minnesota in January, Thanks to Mike Smieja who gave permission to use these pictures in the Annual Report. The Mom and 3 kittens walked down the road ahead of the vehicle, and then walked by an oncoming vehicle that stopped at the corner. One of the kittens moved on and off the road. This type of behavior is often noted in lynx sightings reports that we receive, and is an indication of what might happen if anyone has the good fortune to see Canada lynx in the wild. 4

8 Location and Distribution We obtained locations or mortality checks of the radiocollared lynx in Minnesota with functioning transmitters approximately bi-weekly in Shortly after radiocollaring in March 2009, we lost contact with L58. L58 was harvested near Manitouwadge, Ontario in February, It is likely that he had begun moving towards Manitouwadge when we lost radio contact with him. Locations from this year did not alter the distribution pattern of lynx in northeastern Minnesota. Figure 3. VHF and GPS telemetry locations of lynx captured in this study as of 12/31/07. The geographic extent of locations has not changed since 2007 because of reduced trapping effort, the use of VHF radiocollars, and mortality checks rather than locations. Therefore, we have not updated this map. Many locations are obscured by other locations at this map scale, over 15,000 locations are plotted on this map. The light brown area in the west is the Chippewa National Forest. Voyageurs National Park is shown in stippled green. VOYA SNF BWCAW Chippewa National Forest Lake Superior It was surprising that we have now had 3 animals radiocollared in Minnesota that were harvested near Manitouwadge, ON (Fig. 4). This is about 400 road miles to reach the approximate locations where these three animals were harvested. This type of movement indicates one of the considerations in manageming Canada lynx in Minnesota and other states that border provinces of Canada, especially when we now know that 6 of 35 radiocollared lynx died in Ontario, and that the signal of several others was last heard in Ontario. It is not financially possible to monitor lynx in 5

9 Ontario on a regular basis. If lynx were radiocollared near Manitouwadge, how many of them would be found in Minnesota at some point in their life? Figure 4. VHF and GPS telemetry locations of lynx captured in this study as of 12/31/07. Many locations are obscured by other locations at this map scale, over 15,000 locations are plotted on this map. The light brown area in the west is the Chippewa National Forest. Voyageurs National Park is shown in stippled green. Because of reduced trapping effort, the use of VHF radiocollars, and mortality checks rather than locations, we have not updated this map. The geographic extent of locations has not changed. VOYA SNF BWCAW Chippewa National Forest Lake Superior 6

10 Prey Species and Hare Pellet Plots The primary prey of Canada lynx throughout its range is snowshoe hare (Aubry et al., 2000; Mowat et al., 2000; Squires & Ruggiero, 2007). Analysis of lynx scats (Hanson & Moen, 2008) and snow-tracking (Burdett, 2007) found this to be the case in Minnesota. Almost all identifiable remains from lynx scats found in Minnesota were from snowshoe hare (Hanson & Moen, 2008). Twenty-four of 26 kills found while snow-tracking were snowshoe hares; the remaining 2 kills included 1 ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) and 1 spruce grouse (Dendragapus canadensis) (Burdett, 2007). We have modified hare pellet counting methodology over the 7 years of this project. Initially hare fecal pellet transects consisted of five 1 m 2 circular plots placed at 20 m intervals (McKelvey et al., 2002; Murray et al., 2002). In the first phase of this project plots were permanently marked with a 3/8 diameter reinforcing bar (rebar) stake and plots were remeasured each year. Some plots were missed each year, reducing the sample size, and some plots were added each year but these new plots did not have a historical record and potentially introduced bias to a permanent plot network. Therefore, we altered methodology to allow for non-permanent plots to be used. Non-permanent plots can be used to count hare pellets in Minnesota because there are few pellets from the previous year on uncleared pellet plots relative to previously cleared pellet plots (Moen et al., 2008c). We first presented data supporting this analysis in the Voyageurs National Park report (Moen & Windels, 2009). There are essentially two problems to address when using non-permanent plots: (1) Is there a 1:1 relationship between pellet counts on cleared and uncleared plots at the transect (sampling unit) level, and (2) How does the relationship between mean pellet count and actual (true) pellet count change as the number of plots per transect increases. The number of pellets counted is lower in uncleared pellet plots than in cleared plots at high pellet densities (Fig. 4). The slope approaches 1 and the y-intercept remains not different from 0 if plots with high pellet counts are removed (Table 3). The relationship up to 15 pellets per m 2 is 1:1. If there were many of the previous year s pellets present, then we would expect there to be more pellets in the uncleared plot than in the cleared plot across all pellet densities and the slope to be > 1. Fewer than expected pellets in the uncleared plots at high pellet densities could be due to local variation in pellet deposition. Another reason pellet counts on uncleared plots could be lower is that there is a higher chance of missing pellets at the higher pellet counts when litter has not been cleared in the past. Pellets could be hidden in the litter, or could be swept out by mistake as litter is moved from the plot. It is possible but less likely that snowshoe hare would be more likely to deposit pellets in a cleared pellet plot. 7

11 Figure 5. Contrasting measurement of cleared and uncleared plots. Pellets from a simulated transect of 10 cleared plots compared to pellets removed from adjacent (within 3 m) uncleared plots. The regression line is based on all transects with cleared and uncleared plots Uncleared Plot Pellets / m :1 line Cleared Plot - Pellets / m 2 Table 3. Regression parameters for comparison of pellet counts in cleared and uncleared plots. Maximum Use indicates the maximum number of pellets in cleared plots that was used for the comparison. If counts were higher than the maximum they were set to Maximum Use. Regression statistics are from linear regression. The slope becomes not significantly different from 1 as Maximum Use is decreased, and the y-intercept is not different from 0. Maximum Use Slope t-value P Constant t-value P r 2 All 0.80 ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± The second question is how many plots should be done in a transect. On the permanent plot network used earlier in the Superior National Forest, we used 5 plots per transect (Moen et al., 2008c). As the number of plots in a transect increases, the scatter of points approaches the 1:1 line as the true mean for n = 15 plots is reached (Fig. 5). 8

12 Figure 6. Effect of number of plots on mean pellet counts, contrasting when n = 15 plots against 1 (filled diamond), 5 (open symbol), and 10 (yellow symbols) plots in a transect. Between 5 and 10 plots in a transect smoothing out from fine-scale variation occurs and the slope approaches 1 with r 2 > Pellet count when 1, 5, or 10 plots counted :1 line True Mean (Pellet count when 15 plots averaged) The non-permanent plot method is being revised based on the new results testing sensitivity to number of plots counted and clearing plots (Figs. 4 and 5). Continued development of the hare pellet counting method will be part of research of a new graduate student. In 2009 we counted over 15,000 hare pellets. About 10,000 are shown (Table 4), and an additional 5,000 pellets were counted on the extensive plot network. From the average count of pellets per plot (Table 4) it appears that pellet density did not decline in 2009 relative to previous years. Analysis of this pellet data will be completed in 2010 as the new students makes progress on the degree. Table 4. Pellets counted on hare plot grids from 2004 to Grids were established when a M.S. thesis on hare mark-recapture was being completed (McCann, 2006; McCann et al., 2008). There were two pellet counts in 2009 by different observers, labeled 2009a and 2009b. Complete analysis of 2009 pellet counts will be done as part of Ph.D. research project. Year a 2009b Pellets counted 5,442 5,603 3,450 1,914 3,694 5,051 4,612 Plots Pellets / Plot

13 Persistence and Abundance of Lynx in Minnesota Historical harvest and observation data sets provided an opportunity to evaluate the extent to which Canada lynx were present in Minnesota and contrast lynx presence in different states. Using biologically reasonable logic, alternative scenarios with respect to lynx harvest and distribution in different parts of Minnesota were used to interpret current distribution and abundance of lynx in Minnesota (Moen, 2009). Minnesota is unique among the contiguous 48 states in that recorded lynx harvest has been higher than any other state, and that there is a long record of harvest. There are only 2 years between 1930 and 1969 when reported lynx harvest in Minnesota was less than 16 animals (Henderson, 1978). In every other year between 1930 and or more lynx were reported taken, and in more than 60% of those years over 50 lynx were reported in the harvest (Henderson, 1978). This historical record indicates that lynx were present in Minnesota. Today there appear to be fewer lynx in Minnesota, although part of the reason for this is the effect of invasion years (Moen, 2009). Historically, high harvest years in Minnesota coincided with high harvest in Ontario, but peaks in Ontario harvest have been muted in recent years. There may also be effects due to changes in the human population, changes in winter severity, and reductions in the amplitude of peaks in the Ontario lynx population. Interpreting these effects at the population level is one direction that this project could take in the next few years, and would also be helpful if a recovery plan were to be developed for lynx in the Great Lakes Region. Given the low densities of Canada lynx in Minnesota, it is impossible to provide an accurate population estimate. Sightings reports have continued from different parts of northeastern Minnesota for 7 years now. We have also had radiocollared animals for this entire period. As indicated in past reports, it is unlikely that there are more than 200 Canada lynx in Minnesota. Use of Roads and Cover Types on Long-Distance Trips In 2010 we will finish an analysis of long-distance movements by lynx wearing GPS collars in Minnesota (Fig. 6). During the radiotelemetry project several lynx made long-distance movements into Ontario (Moen et al., 2008c). On some of these movements lynx were wearing GPS collars, and this provides the best data available from any research project on how lynx make long-distance movements. Lynx will take advantage of road presence when available in Superior National Forest, but they can also move across the roadless Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Wilderness in almost a straight line (Fig 6). The movement report (Moen & Terwilliger, 2010) will include a full analysis of these long-distance movements. 10

14 Figure 7. Long-distance movements of lynx wearing GPS radiotelemetry collars in the Superior National Forest used in this report. Individual lynx are indicated by different colored lines, L05 made 5 different trips. The trips by L09 (red) and L24 (white) were by females, other movements were by male lynx. Movements into Ontario were not analyzed in this report because cover type information is not available but are shown in black here. The movement path of L09 is continued to the northeast for another 50 km. L9 Quetico BWCAW Superior National Forest Lynx trails during long-distance movements as colored lines Lake Superior Miles Canada lynx habitat in Voyageurs National Park We finished a report on lynx habitat suitability in and near Voyageurs National Park in 2009 (Moen & Windels, 2009). Records of lynx exist for the area in and near VOYA since the 1970s, and recent sightings have been confirmed with DNA analysis. The lynx radiotelemetry project on the Superior National Forest provided data on home range size, density, cover type use, and prey density to which VOYA could be compared. We used remote cameras and snow-tracking to search for lynx in and near VOYA in 2007 and We estimated density of snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) with hare pellet counts, extrapolated hare density to the landscape level, and contrasted VOYA with lynx home ranges from the Superior National Forest radiotelemetry project. 11

15 Remote cameras and track searches did not provide evidence to suggest there were resident lynx in VOYA. No lynx were seen in pictures taken at camera stations where other carnivore species were photographed. We did not positively identify any tracks to be from lynx, nor were tracks found in a previous project in the early 2000 s (Route et al., 2009). The hare pellet data indicated that VOYA and the surrounding area had hare pellet densities half of hare pellet densities in core areas of lynx home ranges in northeastern Minnesota (Table 5). Although there may be local areas of high hare density a lynx could use for a short period, it does not appear that there are currently resident lynx in VOYA given the search effort over the past seven years. Table 5. Predicted pellet density (pellets / m 2 ) in 0.3 km 2, 3.1 km 2, and 25 km 2 circles in the core area, in the 95% kernel (excluding core area), in VOYA, and in 10 and 20 km donuts around VOYA. 0.3 km 2 circles Pellet density: Mean ± SD Range Core area 1.09 ± % Kernel 0.95 ± VOYA 0.60 ± VOYA 10 km donut 0.49 ± VOYA 20 km donut 0.51 ± km 2 circles Core area 1.14 ± % Kernel 0.93 ± VOYA 0.59 ± VOYA 10 km donut 0.49 ± VOYA 20 km donut 0.52 ± km 2 circles Inside home range 1.00 ± Home range 10K donut 0.89 ± Home range 20K donut 0.80 ± VOYA 0.58 ± VOYA 10 km donut 0.51 ± VOYA 20 km donut 0.50 ± Although it is likely that lynx documented on and near Voyaguers National Park are probably transient animals, we received one report (with pictures) of a lynx with a kitten on February 27, 2010 near International Falls. The report indicated that the lynx had captured, killed, and eaten a domestic duck at this residence. The observation report was very close to a sighting report in 2009 that is on the cover of the Voyaguers National Park report (Moen & Windels, 2009). This lynx may be a resident, but there were no sightings reports during the year, and a trail camera near the report has not picked up pictures of lynx in the winter. If additional sightings reports are recorded in the future it is possible that this lynx has found patches of suitable prey density. 12

16 The Future of Canada lynx in Minnesota In the 2008 annual report we synthesized existing data and concluded that there was support for the presence of a resident population of Canada lynx in Minnesota during the 1900s, and rejected the hypothesis that lynx are in northeastern Minnesota only because of periodic invasions from Ontario (Moen, 2009). Existing data included the historical record assembled by the MN DNR (Henderson, 1978), density estimates from Minnesota and adjacent Ontario, genetic documentation of individuals (Moen et al., 2008b), reproduction, age of lynx, animal condition, and survival of lynx with radiotelemetry collars. Lack of recruitment of kittens into the adult population does not support the hypothesis of a resident population. Because kittens survive through the summer and into winter, there may be reasons for lack of recruitment other than low food resources. Movements between Ontario and Minnesota also should be considered because of management implications and legal issues that arise because a listed species has the southern edge of its range straddling the U.S.-Canada border. Movement data from the radiotelemetry project (Moen et al., 2008b; Moen et al., 2010) indicate that at least some lynx move freely across the border between Ontario and Minnesota each year. Several lynx radiocollared in Minnesota have been trapped in Ontario, others have returned to Minnesota. We continue to work towards developing a social and legal framework which might increase the potential for Canada lynx to become more common in the future. As indicated in the 2008 Annual Report (Moen, 2009), reasonable accommodations on all sides would be more likely to result in a win-win situation for both humans and lynx than an adversarial relationship in the courts. Examples of how this could be accomplished were listed in the 2008 Annual Report, I believe they are important enough to list again here with minor modifications. For example: 1. Trapping. Harvest was split between trapping and hunting in Minnesota in the 1970s (Henderson, 1978). This does not mean that trapping and hunting will end in northeastern Minnesota if Canada lynx are a listed species at the state and federal levels. The ITP plan being written by the MN DNR (DelGiudice et al., 2007) is an example of accommodation required by law. Furbearer regulations could be further modified to reduce the risk of lynx incidental take even more, and trappers could even work to limit incidental take as a matter of professional pride. 2. Incidental Shooting. Illegal shooting of Canada lynx can occur during hunting seasons or at other times of the year. As indicated under #1, lynx harvest was split between trapping and hunting in Minnesota in the 1970s (Henderson, 1978). A proactive campaign to reduce or eliminate incidental shooting could be beneficial. An example of this is an article on the radiotelemetry project that appeared in White-tales, the publication of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, just before the 2008 deer season (Moen, 2008). Another example is including information about lynx in DNR hunting regulations. 13

17 3. Development. Designation of Critical Habitat was ordered by courts. Critical Habitat actually adds little additional protection to Canada lynx. While this seems paradoxical, it is true. Other sections of the ESA requiring consultation with the FWS are already triggered without Critical Habitat Designation whenever federal funds or federal agencies are involved in a project. Because both consultations are habitat-based and use the same input data, there is little new protection added by Critical Habitat designation. 4. Logging. Education would also help to correct some misperceptions that persist about lynx. One misperception is that lynx can be used to shut down logging in northeastern Minnesota. Results of the telemetry project, and lynx biology actually support exactly the opposite conclusion! In parts of northeastern Minnesota logging is creating the early successional forests that snowshoe hare live in. Without logging or other forest disturbances, the prey resource that lynx depend on would not be present. One consideration with logging is that there must be some conifer regeneration in harvested sites to provide cover for snowshoe hare. 5. Wilderness. Some of the original research indicated that lynx were dependent on mature forests, but later research indicates that lynx are more flexible in habitat requirements (Murray et al., 2008). There is also perhaps a romanticized notion that lynx are shy animals that cannot co-exist with humans. It may be more appropriate to say that lynx can survive in the wilderness, but they are also adaptable enough to survive in areas where humans are present. 6. Tourism. The plant and animal species assemblages in northeastern Minnesota are unique, and a main component of the tourism industry is seeing and experiencing what cannot be seen elsewhere in Minnesota. Lynx could be further developed as one of the charismatic megafauna species along with wolves and moose to enhance the tourism industry in northeastern Minnesota. 7. Appropriate Cause. Based on phone calls I have received, and discussions with agency personnel, it is possible that Canada lynx may be being blamed for requirements that are more general. An example would be the permitting process for building a road on federal lands. Even though Canada lynx being listed as a Threatened Species under the ESA is not the reason for the permitting process, they may be used as a reason in part, or the applicant may also infer that the process is being driven by lynx status and critical habitat designation. A model for moving forward could be the Moose Advisory Committee convened by the MN DNR with support from the Minnesota Legislature (Peterson et al. 2009). A combination of education and regulation could benefit all stakeholders interested in Canada lynx. Biologically, there is evidence for Canada lynx being a resident of northeastern Minnesota. Ultimately, it is the citizens of Minnesota and the U.S. that will determine whether lynx persist in Minnesota. Education and regulation can provide the basis for decisions to be made that can be broad in scope, such as an agency charged with implementing the law, or narrow in scope, such as when an individual carrying a gun sees a lynx. 14

18 Website, Public Involvement, and Canada Lynx Sightings The lynx project website at continues to serve as a conduit of information for interested professionals and the general public. Lynx sightings can still be reported to the NRRI toll-free hotline ( ) or by (lynx@nrri.umn.edu). Some of the sightings reports include pictures that have been included on the project website. We have not issued press releases, yet pictures continue to be sent and observations are reported either to the project (lynx@nrri.umn.edu) or to the Minnesota DNR. Some of these reports turned out to be bobcats based on photographic evidence, others have been lynx. However, lynx distribution from sightings reports continues to be primarily in the northeastern part of Minnesota. Acknowledgements We would like to thank the many individuals who have reported sightings or helped the project in other ways. Some individuals have contributed greatly to this research project over the past 6 years. Project management assistance was provided by Ed Lindquist, Mary Shedd, and Steve Mighton with the USFS. Dr. Michael Nelson, of the USGS BRD, has obtained almost all of the aerial locations while locating moose, deer, and wolves for other studies, with recent locations by Al Buchert (MN DNR) through in-kind assistance from Mike Schrage (Widlife Biologist, Resource Management Division, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa). Superior National Forest biologists Dan Ryan, Peg Robertson, Wayne Russ, Melissa Grover, and Todd Stefanic have helped with reporting sightings, occasional field work, and other things. Dr. Pat Zollner with North Central Research Station of the USFS provided GPS collars. David Danielsen was a part of the project from 2003 to Steve Loch is no longer associated with this project but he worked for the project in 2004 and put in many hours as a Forest Service volunteer. Hard work by students, interns, volunteers, and technicians have helped bring this project to its current level. The Carnivore Genetics Lab (USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station, Missoula, MT) has done genetic analysis under funding provided by the Superior National Forest for all lynx handled in this project. Funding support for the project (also on project website) has been provided by the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Minnesota Duluth, the Natural Resources Research Institute, Defenders of Wildlife, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the National Council on Air and Stream Improvement, Inc., Potlatch Forest Holdings, Inc., the Minnesota Zoological Garden in Apple Valley, the Minnesota Trappers Association, and several individuals who donated funds through the project website. 15

19 Literature Cited Aubry, K.B., Koehler, G.M., and Squires, J.R Ecology of Canada lynx in southern boreal forests. Pages in Ruggiero, L., Aubry, K.B., Buskirk, S.W., Koehler, G.M., Krebs, C.J., McKelvey, K.S., Squires, J.R. editors. Ecology and conservation of lynx in the United States. University Press of Colorado, Denver, CO. Burdett, C.L Hierarchical structure of Canada lynx space use and habitat selection in northeastern Minnesota.University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. DelGiudice, G.D., Doncarlos, M.N., and Erb, J An incidental take plan for Canada lynx and Minnesota's trapping program. Erb, J Distribution and abundance of wolves in Minnesota, Minnesota Dept. Natural Resources Unpublished Report. Hanson, K. and Moen, R.A Diet of Canada lynx in Minnesota estimated from scat analysis. Natural Resources Research Institute Technical Report NRRI/TR-2008/13, Henderson, C Minnesota Canada Lynx report, Minn. Wildl. Res. Q. 38: McCann, N Using pellet counts to predict snowshoe hare density, snowshoe hare habitat use, and Canada lynx habitat use in Minnesota. M.S. Thesis. University of Minnesota Duluth. McCann,N.P., Moen,R.A., Niemi,G.J., Using Pellet Counts to Estimate Snowshoe Hare Numbers in Minnesota. Journal of Wildlife Management 72: McCann, N. and Moen, R. In prep. Using pellet counts, GIS, and satellite imagery to predict snowshoe hare and Canada lynx habitat use. McKelvey, K.S., McDaniel, G.W., Mills, L.S., Griffin, P.C Effects of plot size and shape on pellet density estimates for snowshoe hares. Wildl. Soc. Bull. 30: Moen, R North country cat. Whitetales Summer 2008: Moen, R Canada Lynx in the Great Lakes Region 2008 Annual Report. NRRI Technical Report No. NRRI/TR Moen, R., Burdett, C.L., Niemi, G.J. 2008a. Movement and Habitat Use of Canada Lynx During Denning in Minnesota. Journal of Wildlife Management 72: Moen, R., Nelson, M.E., Burdett, C.L., Niemi, G.J. In prep. Extra-territorial movements and juvenile dispersal of Canada lynx in northeastern Minnesota. Moen, R., Niemi, G.J., Burdett, C.L. 2008b. Canada Lynx in the Great Lakes Region Final Report. NRRI Technical Report No.NRRI/TR Moen, R., Niemi, G.J., Burdett, C.L., Mech, L.D Canada Lynx in the Great Lakes Region 2004 Annual Report. NRRI Technical Report No.NRRI/TR Moen, R., Niemi, G.J., Burdett, C.L., Mech, L.D Canada Lynx in the Great Lakes Region 2005 Annual Report. NRRI Technical Report No.NRRI/TR Moen, R., Rasmussen, J.M., Burdett, C.L., Pelican, K.M Hematology, serum chemistry, and body mass of free-ranging and captive Canada lynx in Minnesota. Journal of Wildlife Diseases in press. Moen, R., Terwilliger, L. in press Habitat and road use by lynx on long-distance movements. NRRI Technical Report No.NRRI/TR Moen, R., Windels, S.K Lynx habitat suitability in and near Voyageurs National Park. NRRI Technical Report No.NRRI/TR , Mowat, G., Poole, K.G., and ODonoghue, M Ecology of lynx in Canada and Alaska. Pages in Ruggerio, L.F., Aubry, K.B., Buskirk, S.W., Koehler, G.M., Krebs, C.J., McKelvey, K.S., Squires, J.R. editors. Ecology and conservation of lynx in the United States. University Press of Colorado, Denver, CO. 16

20 Murray, D.L., Roth, J.D., Ellsworth, E., Wirsing, A.J., Steury, T.D Estimating low - density snowshoe hare populations using fecal pellet counts. Can. J. Zool. 80: Murray, D.L., Steury, T.D., Roth, J.D Assessment of Canada Lynx Research and Conservation Needs in the Southern Range: Another Kick at the Cat. Journal of Wildlife Management 72: Peterson, R. R., Moen, R. Baker, D. Becker, L. Cornicelli, A. Edwards, L. Frelich, G. Huschle, M. Johnson, A. Jones, M. Lenarz, J. Lightfoot, T. Martinson, G. Mehmel, S. Perich, D. Ryan, M. Schrage, and D. Thompson Report to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by the Moose Advisory Committee. Accessed 11 January, 2010.Poole, K.G Characteristics of an unharvested lynx population during a snowshoe hare decline. J. Wildl. Manage. 58: Route, B., Windels, S.K., Schaberl, J Status of Canada lynx in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, /172, Fort Collins, CO, National Park Service. Natural Resources Technical Report NPS/GLKN/NRTR. Slough, B.G., Mowat, G Lynx population dynamics in an untrapped refugium. J. Wildl. Manage. 60: Squires, J.R., Decesare, N.J., Kolbe, J.A., Ruggiero, L.F Hierarchical Den Selection of Canada Lynx in Western Montana. Journal of Wildlife Management 72: Squires, J.R., Ruggiero, L.F Winter Prey Selection of Canada Lynx in Northwestern Montana. Journal of Wildlife Management 71: Vashon, J.H., Meehan, A.L., Jakubas, W.J., Organ, J.F., Vashon, A.D., McLaughlin, C.R., Matula, G.J., Crowley, S.M Spatial Ecology of a Canada Lynx Population in Northern Maine. Journal of Wildlife Management 72: Appendix 1. Deliverables Listing This report was prepared for the ongoing Canada lynx research project ( because I wanted to maintain continuity of the report series and because people are interested in Canada lynx. There were no contractbased deliverables that would have required the report to be prepared in this form. 17