Tracking Lynx Prints in a Winter Wonderland
- January 9, 2025
- Posted by: Petteri
- Categories: Author - Petteri, Personal Blog - Petteri
I had a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s holiday exploring the serene, snow-covered landscapes of southern Finland. Amidst the festive cheer, one of the most thrilling moments was discovering large lynx tracks imprinted in the fresh snow. The sight of these elusive footprints sparked an impromptu adventure through the woods, as we eagerly followed the trail to uncover more about this mysterious predator.
The Journey Begins: Following the Tracks
The lynx’s tracks were unmistakable—roundish paw prints with no visible claw marks, a characteristic feature of felines due to their retractable claws. Each print measured between 7 to 9 cm in diameter, typical for an adult Eurasian lynx. The tracks moved in a straight line, reflecting the lynx’s purposeful gait as it navigated its territory.
We ventured deeper into the forest, marveling at how the lynx had gracefully leaped down from rock cliffs, over fallen logs, and weaved through dense undergrowth. Its agility was evident in how it moved through the landscape, sometimes leaving behind wide gaps between prints where it had taken larger strides.
Every step felt like piecing together a puzzle of its journey—where had it been? What was it hunting?
A Predator’s Feast?
After some time, the tracks led us to a spot that hinted at a recent meal. There, amidst disturbed snow and faint traces of fur, lay evidence suggesting that the lynx might have fed on a deer. Lynxes are ambush predators, known for their stealth and precision. They typically begin feeding from the hindquarters of their prey and often cover leftovers with snow or leaves to return later.
While we couldn’t confirm if this was indeed a lynx kill, it added an air of mystery to our trek. Unfortunately, as we continued, the tracks became harder to distinguish. They blended with other animal prints—perhaps those of hares or foxes—and eventually disappeared entirely. Despite this, the experience of walking in the footsteps of such an elusive creature was unforgettable.
About the Eurasian Lynx
The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is one of Europe’s largest wild cats and is known for its solitary and nocturnal habits. These stealthy predators are rarely seen in the wild due to their keen senses and preference for remote habitats. In Finland, they are primarily active during dusk and nighttime but occasionally venture out during daylight hours.
Lynxes play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by preying on ungulates like roe deer. Their territories can span vast areas, with males often overlapping territories with several females.
Winter is an excellent time to track them, as fresh snowfall preserves their prints and reveals their movements through otherwise hidden landscapes.
Tips for Snow Tracking
If you’re inspired to try snow tracking yourself, here are some tips:
- Timing is key: Fresh snowfall provides ideal conditions for spotting clear animal tracks.
- Look for distinct patterns: Lynx tracks are round with asymmetrical pads and lack claw marks unless on steep or icy terrain.
- Follow trails cautiously: Tracks can reveal feeding sites or resting spots but respect wildlife by keeping your distance.
- Bring essentials: Warm clothing, sturdy boots, and a camera are must-haves for winter tracking adventures.
Reflections
While we didn’t catch a glimpse of the lynx itself (a rare occurrence given their shy nature), following its trail offered a connection to the wilderness. Each paw print can tell a story—of survival, movement, and life in these snowy woods. It reminded me of how much there is to learn from simply observing nature. Above and below are some photos from our adventure that capture both the beauty of the Finnish winter and the intrigue of tracking one of Europe’s most enigmatic predators.
