Endangered Cats of North America Lynx Still Missing From Northern Forests Learn More about Endangered North American Cats Home Endangered Cats of North America. Once a vital part of the natural landscape throughout northern forests, the graceful and mysterious Canada lynx is now threatened in much of its range. Along with the loss of wolves, cougars and other carnivores in the Northeast, the disappearance of the lynx is leaving behind a natural system that is imbalanced and vulnerable. Canada lynx were once present in forests throughout the Pacific Northwest, the Rockies, the Upper Midwest and New England. Habitat destruction and fragmentation resulting from certain forest management practices and impacts from some winter recreation activities play a key role in the lynx's struggle.
Timber extraction can harm lynx by altering the habitat conditions the cats rely upon to survive.
For example, clearcutting creates exposed areas that lynx will not inhabit and may be reluctant to cross. Roads and trails present another threat to lynx by fragmenting their habitat and isolating lynx populations. Forest roads give humans increased access to lynx habitat, increasing the risk of illegal poaching or incidental trapping of lynx. Lack of data available on lynx compounds other threats facing the cat. The feline's elusive nature makes it difficult for surveyors to find and count individual cats, and fluctuations in numbers and distribution are often difficult to interpret.