Two Lynx Found in the Scottish Highlands… Four were Captured
The Highlands have always been known for their dramatic landscapes, rich wildlife, and, occasionally, tales of the unexpected. But even seasoned locals were left scratching their heads (and checking their binoculars) when a quartet of lynx decided to make an unannounced reappearance in the Cairngorms National Park. Was this a sign of nature reclaiming its territory, or simply a case of someone trying to fast-track rewilding efforts? Either way, Scotland’s newest residents have brought both intrigue and a hearty dose of drama.
It all began when two Eurasian lynx were spotted roaming near Kingussie, a quiet town nestled in the snowy splendour of the Cairngorms. These striking, Labrador-sized cats hadn’t been seen in the UK for about a millennium, so naturally, their presence was met with a mix of excitement, concern, and a few hastily locked garden sheds.
Within hours, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) had swung into action, working alongside Police Scotland to capture the rogue felines. Using humane traps baited with tantalising morsels, the cats were safely secured and whisked off to quarantine.
But just as the collective sigh of relief began to echo through the Highlands, the plot thickened. Two more lynx were spotted in the same area, proving that these wild cats were not only stealthy but also great at surprising their hosts.
For those picturing a Highland version of Jurassic Park, complete with rampaging predators, let’s clear the air. Despite their imposing looks, lynx are far from the stuff of nightmares. Experts describe them as shy, mostly nocturnal, and largely uninterested in humans. In the wild, their diet consists of roe deer, young red deer, and the occasional hare or rabbit. Sheep may occasionally feature on the menu, but, as the WWF notes, the scale of attacks is often "much smaller than perceived."
That said, lynx are wild animals, and Police Scotland was quick to remind locals not to approach them. After all, no one wants to be the person who thought it was a good idea to corner a lynx for a selfie.
While the captured cats are now safely at Edinburgh Zoo, the question of their origin remains. Who released them? And why?
RZSS has condemned the release as “highly irresponsible,” echoing conservation groups like the Mammal Society, which advocates for legal and carefully planned rewilding efforts. Could these cats be the work of rogue rewilders, frustrated by bureaucracy and keen to fast-track nature’s restoration? It’s a tempting theory, though not one that garners much support from official channels.
For those with a taste for history, this isn’t Scotland’s first feline escapade. Back in 1980, a puma named Felicity was famously captured near Cannich after terrorising livestock. Unlike the lynx, Felicity was tame, arthritic, and far too friendly to be a long-term wild resident. Her capture remains a charmingly bizarre chapter in Scotland’s animal lore.
The idea of reintroducing lynx to the UK isn’t new. Conservationists have long touted their potential to rebalance ecosystems by controlling deer populations and boosting biodiversity. But not everyone is thrilled at the prospect of these stealthy predators roaming free. Farmers, in particular, have voiced concerns about livestock safety and potential economic impacts.
Yet proponents argue that properly managed reintroductions could mitigate risks while delivering significant ecological benefits. The Mammal Society even describes the lynx as a “keystone species,” capable of restoring balance to Scotland’s depleted landscapes.
If anything, this unsanctioned lynx release has reignited the debate, albeit in a somewhat chaotic fashion. Conservationists are urging patience, noting that illegal actions only undermine legitimate efforts to bring these magnificent cats back to their rightful home.
As the final two lynx joined their companions in quarantine, the drama seemed to reach its conclusion. But just when you thought it was safe to wander the Cairngorms, questions linger. Are there more lynx lurking in the shadows? And if so, how long before someone mistakes them for an overgrown tabby? Who knows? Perhaps the lynx have been reintroduced after all, and we’ve been too busy sniffing around for answers to notice.
