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For Immediate Release
Minnesota Legislature Passes Bill Placing Endangered Lynx in Harm's Way
Recovery of Federally Protected Species Jeopardized by Unrestricted Trapping
Washington, DC - A bill passed by Minnesota's state legislature authorizes snaring of the federally threatened lynx without even a permit, in violation of the federal Endangered Species Act, according to Defenders of Wildlife.
"A small population of lynx was just recently verified in Minnesota, yet the Minnesota legislature has already moved to allow these beautiful wildcats to be trapped" stated Mike Leahy, Staff Attorney for Defenders of Wildlife. "This misguided bill completely ignores the fact that it is illegal to kill or harass federally endangered and threatened species." In addition to failing to protect lynx, confusion over this law could easily misinform the public that this illegal activity is permissible.
The legislation, HF 847, specifically allows trappers to "use a snare to take lynx or bobcat . . . without a permit." The bill also allows fox to be snared without a permit. The state permit is the mechanism by which the state monitors and manages trapping of these species.
"Any lynx removed from the population under this law - by being illegally targeted or caught in traps targeting bobcat and fox - could severely jeopardize the ongoing federal recovery efforts to stabilize the population," stated Leahy. "Lynx are no match for snares because they are, like most cats, curious creatures and therefore highly susceptible to getting caught in traps.
Lynx were listed as a federally threatened species in 2000 because their numbers declined sharply in recent decades. Causes for the decline include over-trapping, logging and fragmentation of their habitats, and a lack of legal protections.
"Why Minnesota's legislature approved Senator Pariseau's plan to eliminate permits for trapping the state's wildcats is unclear, but what is clear is that it is now up to Minnesota's governor to veto this bill," Leahy continued.
Lynx are a beautiful and reclusive wildcat, a relative of both the bobcat and the housecat, with long tufts of hair coming off their ears, wide facial hair, and long rear legs. They are most known for their defining feature, however - huge paws, which act like snowshoes allowing them to stay on top of the snow when hunting prey in winter.
The bill was passed by both houses and was delivered to the governor on Tuesday.
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Defenders of Wildlife is a leading nonprofit conservation organization recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 480,000 members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species
issues.
