After two illegal releases of lynx in the Highlands of Scotland, staff from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) have now captured four lynx. The RZSS is condemning the illegal release of these wild animals. David Field, Chief Executive of RZSS, is relieved that the animals had been captured. Calling it “irresponsible and wrong” for people to attempt to release animals, Field stated: “These lynx were probably minimal risk, but there was concern for the community because of the uncertainty… Whatever it was, it was crazy, it was irresponsible and it should never, ever have been done.” After quarantine procedures in Edinburgh Zoo, the four lynx will be released into an enclosure in the Scottish Highlands.
The latest pair of lynx were captured using humane traps where the first pair had been caught. The RZSS have stated that the second pair of lynx are believed to be larger than the other two. It is the belief that the newly caught lynx are in good health.
The first pair of lynx, found earlier in the week, have been confirmed as the Eurasian lynx, but their sex is yet to be confirmed. The lynx were last known to have died out in Britain 500 – 1,000 years ago, but similar species are found throughout continental Europe, Russia and Asia.
Although there are some campaigns to reintroduce the wild cats back into Scotland, rogue rewilding is illegal and strongly condemned by conservation groups. The Mammal Society is one such group, stating that although it would love to see a healthy and stable population of lynx in the UK, reintroduction would be the only responsible and legal solution.
Lynx are the size of a Labrador dog and are mostly active at night, tending to avoid humans. If cornered, however, they may attack in self-defence. Attacks on livestock are also rare, especially in comparison to the UK’s network of farms. A license is required in the UK under the Dangerous Animals Act to keep lynx
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