Canadian CatsCanada has three wild cat species: Bobcat (Lynx rufus),
Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis) and Cougar or Mountain lion (Puma concolor). Provincial
status of each species throughout the country is below.
Nova Scotia has the highest bobcat population of any jurisdiction in North America. Harvesting is allowed by means of trapping and hunting with hounds. In New Brunswick, they are found in healthy numbers in the southern portion of the province. In Quebec, bobcats are found primarily in the south-east portion of the province, and along the southern shores of the St. Lawrence. Rare in distribution, the population has shown a significant decrease in the last few years. All trapping and hunting was halted in 1991. In Manitoba, the bobcat is at the northern extent of its range, and is classed as vulnerable. Though classified as a furbearer under the Wildlife Act, there has not been a bobcat season since 1985. All reports of sightings are monitored. Ontario and Saskatchewan allow trapping, with the population being monitored through fur sales. Alberta allows trapping only in two southern zones of the province, and hunting is permitted as well in a portion of these zones to allow for protection of domestic animals. British Columbia permits trapping and hunting. Canadian Lynx
The Newfoundland population is monitored and harvesting ins conducted in those parts of the province where population densities permit. In Nova Scotia, the cats have been forced into one remaining area, Cape Breton Island, and no harvest is permitted. The Quebec population is found throughout the boreal forest. In the southern part of the province, exploitation and habitat modification have resulted in a significant drop in lynx numbers. Trapping is now restricted to certain high density sectors and a legal harvest period of just a few weeks. In northern areas of Manitoba, lynx populations allow for a limited harvest, and there is no season in the southern part of the province. Saskatchewan also allows trapping, with the season closed to protect the lynx population during low cycles. Alberta allows trapping on a quota system. The traditional cycle of 9-11 years is used as a guide to determine quotas, as well as information from trapper’s meetings, questionnaires, harvest records and sex/age data from pelt registrations. British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Ontario also allow trapping. Cougar
For more information on the wild cats of Canada, please see the following fact sheets:
Bobcat, Canada
Lynx, Cougar | ||||||
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