The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is
investigating northern Maine’s second Canada lynx trapping death in
less than a month.
The dead animal was discovered by game wardens Dec. 4 in woods
off a road in Stacyville in Aroostook County. Documents filed in
federal court say human footprints apparently led from the lynx to
a tree that had held a trap.
Because the lynx is listed as a threatened species, two animal
welfare groups have sued Maine’s fish and game department for
allegedly violating the Endangered Species Act by allowing trapping
practices that could ensnare lynx.
The trapper blamed for a Nov. 17 lynx death was not charged
because he apparently misinterpreted state rules meant to avoid
accidental lynx trappings and immediately reported the incident.
No charges have been filed in the latest death.