Canada has three wild cat species: Bobcat, Canada Lynx, and Cougar. None of these cats are endangered or threatened at a species level in Canada, and their status varies in each province.
Bobcat Lynx rufus
Bobcats are found only along the southern portion of the country, although their range is increasing northwards with forest clearance.
BC – classed as both a fur bearer and a game animal. The fur harvest is regulated, but in most of the province, an unlimited number of bobcats can be trapped. As a game animal, from 1-5 bobcats can be killed depending on the wildlife management region.
AB – classed as both a fur bearer and a game animal in two southeastern wildlife management regions only. Can also be hunted to protect domestic livestock.
SK – trapping allowed, monitored through fur quota
MB – trapping stopped in 1985, but resumed in 2002. In the winter of 2008/09, 11 pelts were taken in the province.
ON – trapping allowed, monitored through fur quota
QC – population has shown a significant decrease in the last few years, and all trapping and hunting was halted in 1991. All reports of sightings are monitored.
NS – has the highest bobcat population of any jurisdiction in north eastern North America. Harvesting is allowed by means of trapping and hunting with hounds.
NB – trapping resumed in 1992, and a harvest lottery system was used in 2004 and 2005
Citizen Bobcats: Getting to Know the New Residents in Calgary
Canada Lynx Lynx canadensis
Canada lynx are found in large numbers across Canada in the boreal forest. Trapping is allowed throughout most of the country, and harvest quotas fluctuate with the 9-11 year snowshoe hare cycle.
YK, NWT, BC, AB, SK – trapping allowed on a quota system
MB – limited harvest allowed in northern areas, no season in the southern part of the province.
ON – trapping allowed on a quota system
QC – trapping is restricted to certain high density sectors and a legal harvest period of just a few weeks
NF population is monitored and harvesting is conducted in those parts of the province where population densities permit.
NS – found only in one remaining area, Cape Breton Island, and no harvest is permitted.
Cougar Puma concolor
The cougar population in Canada varies greatly from west to east. BC and AB have stable populations, and game hunting is allowed on a quota basis.
Canada’s only big cat is classed as endangered and protected in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
While the cougar has virtually disappeared from eastern Canada, there are signs that it may be moving east and repopulating former ranges. In recent years, a greater presence of cougars in central and eastern Canada has been confirmed through trapping and DNA evidence.
In 2010, after a four year study, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources confirmed the presence of cougar in that province based on tracks, DNA and scat samples.
In Manitoba, one cougar was shot in 2004 and a second was discovered in a hunter’s coyote trap in 2005. Quebec confirmed the existence of cougar in that province in 2005, adding two sightings to the hair samples retrieved in 2000 from a car that had collided with a cougar.
DNA analysis of hair samples collected in 2003 from posts treated with cougar urine in New Brunswick have provided evidence of the cougar’s existence there. There are many reports of cougar sightings in Nova Scotia each year, but no scientific proof of their presence in that province.
2013 Update from the Yukon
Cougar have only begun to move as far north as Yukon. It is believed that they are following the deer populations that are slowly moving north. Cougar are the ghosts of the forest and very few have ever been spotted in Yukon. Best chance to see one is in southern Yukon near the BC border, or near the Braeburn Elk herd. If you see what you think is a Cougar, look for a long tail with a black tip. If the tail is absent you are likely looking at a lynx, not a Cougar. Source: www.env.gov.yk.ca
2016 Update from the Yukon
Whitehorse cougar photos, tracks, excite Yukon biologist – Evidence suggests big cats are breeding in territory
2014 Update from Saskatchewan
Cougar were a rarity in Saskatchewan prior to the mid-1990’s. Confirmed sightings and occasional specimen records became more frequent after that. By 2007 a survey of Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment field staff indicated that Cougar were distributed throughout southern Saskatchewan and into the boreal transition region. The majority of these sightings were thought to represent non-breeding animals. Breeding was confirmed only from the Cypress Hills in extreme southwest Saskatchewan and neighboring Alberta.
Saskatchewan is currently preparing its first Cougar management plan. Cougar are fully protected from hunting and trapping in the province. Landowners may kill Cougar on their own land to protect livestock or where human safety is threatened, provided the kill is reported and the carcass turned in to a Ministry office. The new plan will not immediately propose additional management actions, but it will outline potential future options for a managed harvest. Source: SK Ministry of Environment, F&W Branch
2020 Updates from the Southern BC Cougar Project
Objectives of the study
Collect baseline data on cougar densities, territory size, dispersal, and survival
Measure cougar predation pressure on mule deer populations and other prey
Examine the role of patchy disturbances (e.g. wildfire, forestry) and hunter harvest on cougar habitat use
Examine the diversity and interactions of scavenging communities at cougar kill sites
Pat Bumstead
It could very easily be a bobcat as they seem to be doing an excellent job of colonizing Canada! However there are no bobcats that are gray with tabby stripes. They are all beige or brown with distinctive spots. Your pussy cat was likely a large domestic cat, and yes I have seen some near bobcat size.
Karen
Last week around 7:30pm I saw a very large cat crossing the road in a residential area in Kitchener Waterloo. It looked maybe twice as large as a house cat, gray with tabby stripes. Didn’t notice the tail unfortunately. Could a bobcat be in an urban area like this? We do have lots of rabbits, some foxes, coyotes and the occasional deer here in the city.
Pat Bumstead
Yes they are getting more common and breeding in Canada.
Frank
Are Bobcats found in Sudbury On
We think we have seen one and maybe a baby as well
Pat Bumstead
You could notify your local fish and wildlife association who may be keeping track of lynx appearances.
Pat Bumstead
The rules vary greatly between provinces, and they are the ones that set the laws. You can’t hunt lynx in the Maritimes. In other provinces there is quota system for trapping them and there may be different hunting laws in different areas for each province. Bobcats, to my knowledge can be hunted across Canada.
sophiemac1916
Hello,
I was just wondering if bobcats and lynxes still aren’t protected under hunting regulations? That is, people can still hunt them? 🙁
Emma
I am quite certain there was a lynx in my back yard in PEI. I have an Audio recording of it ‘screaming’. Should I send this to someone considering they’re believed to be extirpated?
Pat Bumstead
The bobcat population in Calgary is growing rapidly, judging by the number of sightings in the last year or so. They are often seen in the NW, SW, and parts of SE near the rivers and Fish Creek Park. They will likely spread to the NE soon, if they’re not there already. They are no threat to humans of any size and are going a wonderful job of keeping our mice and squirrel populations under control!
Evan
In my neighbourhood we usually get a lot of bobcats and I live in Calgary. Is that normal?
Pat Bumstead
Our organization deals only with small wild cats, and thus has no information on the larger species. Your best bet is probably The Cougar Network as their map shows multiple sightings in Ontario, and they would have the details.
Margie Manthey
Hi there. I write a weekly wildlife column for a small newspaper in Westport Ontario. I’d like to do an up-to-date feature on recent cougar sightings/encounters in eastern Ontario. Are you able to share any reports or other information that I could include in my article? Cougars returning to the province is fascinating and always an intriguing subject.
Thanks and best regards.
Margie M.
Pat Bumstead
A juvenile cougar, old enough to have lost his spotting pattern, still has a long tail like the adults. Either cat is likely in that location but if it had a long tail, it was a cougar.
Allison
My husband and I were at the top of Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver and saw a critter we can’t identify. My first thought was that it was a bobcat due to its size. However it had a longer tail and its colour was a uniform rusty brown. How can you tell the difference between a bobcat and a juvenile cougar?
Pat Bumstead
At that location it could be either cat. Lynx come down from the north while bobcats come up from the south. Great sighting though!
Evan
I was in Stratford, Quebec a few months back and saw what looked like a bigger cat crossing a frozen lake. Bobcat or Lynx? Thanks 🙂
Pat Bumstead
Your location of southern Ontario means the cat could be either a lynx or a bobcat. Both are known to live in that area. Without seeing a photo, the only hint as to identification is that bobcats have more clearly marked spots than a lynx, and are generally more brownish than the grey of the lynx.
Jack
While driving, me and my father spotted that could have either been a lynx or bobcat. We were in long daily down in southern Ontario. The animal had very pointy ears so it made me think it was a lynx. What do you think it could have been?
Pat Bumstead
Unfortunately no one knows what the normal range of the cougar is in Canada. It is known that the western animals are slowing moving eastwards, and there have been many verified sightings in Saskatchewan. Flin Flon would be a natural path from there. Thanks for letting us know, and tell your daughter she was extremely blessed to see one of these magnificent cats in the wild in that area!
Edward Reesor
FWIW, last night my daughter reported that she encountered a cougar while tree planting outside Flin Flon, MB. Crossed the road within 8-10 m in front of her and stared straight at her the whole time. Fortunately she was about to be picked up for the day. I can’t tell from the map whether this is in the normal range or not.
Pat Bumstead
We have heard from many people that have seen black cougar in this area. Technically, there is ‘no such thing’ as a black cougar in all the scientific literature. With all the reports, no one has been able to provide a photo! We’re still hoping someone can photograph this cat/these cats and let us know.
Phil Mills
In 1979 my Roommate was deer hunting with a friend several miles southwest of Nelson BC – they came across 2 very young pure black juvenile cougars in a lone tree standing in a deforested area – they had a disposable film camera with them and took the whole roll of pictures – The cats were less than 20ft off the ground and were hissing and snarling at them – they went immediately to the local conservation office and turned over the camera. Several days later they were told the film had been lost in processing. Over the years since, I have heard several stories of black cougars seen in the Nelson/Vernon/ Sushwap area
Pat Bumstead
We have no information that the bobcat is decreasing in Quebec. These cats are expanding their range northwards into Canada, and moving further north all the time. No one knows how many of these cats are in Quebec, or any province.
Pat Bumstead
In that location it was likely a bobcat, not a lynx. Lucky sighting!
Bruce Kienlen
Yesterday my wife saw and photographed a lynx or bobcat sunning itself on a outcrop in Deep Cove, North Vancouver. It was along Cove Cliff Road in Wickenden Park. Very cool!
Corbin
Why is the bobcats decreasing in Quebec
Pat Bumstead
Bobcats are increasing their range in southern Canada and likely would not have a problem strolling through North Vancouver. We even have them in many districts in Calgary now. They don’t particularly pay attention to humans and would be most comfortable in your front yard.
The Canada Lynx however, is a different story. They are not found in your area and tend to avoid humans if possible. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but their presence in your yard would be highly unlikely. Any chance you had two different bobcats with slightly different colouring? Or any photos of the lynx?
Leslie
I have never seen a lynx or bobcat in my and believe me I have tried tracking them in winter more times than I can count just catch a glimpse of the magnificent cat. In the last four days I have had a lynx in my front yard and saw a bobcat walking down the street a few blocks away. I am mystified. I haves in this neighbourhood for ten year and never seen anything like it. I called the conservation office and they pretty much dismissed me. Do you have some insight? I like in the district of North Vancouver, BC.
Thanks,
Leslie
Pat Bumstead
We have had many reports of sightings of this cat, but no one has been able to show us any photographs so we can identify the animal. If you know of any photos, please let us know.
Tamara Glanfield
There have been sightings of a black cougar, about 20 mins drive from my house. We live rural, just outside of vanderhoof BC. Friends of my husband and my husband have seen the black cougar.
Pat Bumstead
Lucky sighting!
Johanne Roy-Lafleche
On Tuesday December 18th around 10:00 pm I was driving on Leitrim Rd off Limeback, just before the airport in Ottawa and I saw a Lynx sitting on the side of the road. It was looking at me as I drove slowly past it. I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The pointed ears…. I couldn’t take a picture as my cell was in my purse and I was afraid that it would leave if I stopped. It’s tall even when sitting straight.
Pat Bumstead
No it’s not. The Wildlife Act of Alberta does not allow any indigenous species to be kept as pets, and that includes the small cats. The laws differ in various provinces, but Alberta is quite strict on the keeping of wild pets.
Curtis Tulokas-hatton
Is it legal for someone to have a bobcat or a lnx as a pet in alberta??? I have searched so many sites and i cant find anywhere that will clearly state a yes ir no on the subject
Pat Bumstead
ISEC Canada does not initiate any field research projects. We support researchers who have set up their own programs, and hire their own staff.
Aparna
I have experience in wild cat research in India. I am looking to get involve in ISEC Canada. How Can I join with you?
Pat Bumstead
We’ve received several reports of a large black cat in that area, but none of them have been able to provide a photograph. There are no jaguars in that area unless one escaped from a zoo, and I’m sure that would have made the news.
lori
reports by 2 separate parties in rural areas seeing a ‘black cougar’ in the Vernon BC area. I realize you’ve said numerous times that cougars don’t come in black, however one of these parties hunts cougars….. so you’d think they’d know. would a jaguar be in this area? and how different do they look? the cat was not in a hurry, so they got a good look.
Pat Bumstead
There have never been any reports of a black cougar in records going back to the late 1800’s. According to the cougar experts, they do not exist. Cougar do not have long glossy coats of any colour and never carry their tail up.
Having said that, we have heard from many people in that area of BC who have reported a large black cat of some kind. No one has any photographs though, so we have no idea what the animal is. If it is indeed a black cougar it would be the first one in history but clear photographs of the animal would be required.
Polly
Several replies here say there are no black cougars, yet there is this article below. I have just seen a large black cat in the Columbia Region of BC that I would have described as a black cougar, because the coat was long and glossy, tail up and it bounded, rather than ran.
https://bc.ctvnews.ca/rare-black-cougar-blamed-for-attack-on-tiny-therapy-horse-1.3152116
Pat Bumstead
Sorry, we have no idea what you might have seen. Your location would suggest bobcat, or rarely a Canada lynx but none of them have dark fur. Feral domestic cats can get quite large, but not larger than a bobcat so we’re stumped.
D davis
Kings county New Brunswick, first week sept 2018 . I saw a large dark coloured cat . It crossed the road less then. 100 feet in front of me. It was a moltly dark fur colour ,little if any tail, it had the movement and gait of a cat but didn’t,t have tufts or pointed ears that I could see, possibly it had its ears back chasing something but still it had a small head. It was larger then any cat bobcat lynx I have seen actually dog size.
Pat Bumstead
Well, first of all it’s not a cougar as they don’t come in black! If it is a large black cat it would have to be a melanistic leopard or jaguar, which would be a bit unusual in the Shuswaps. Escaped zoo animal maybe? Does it have a long tail that nearly reaches the ground? If someone has photos and/or video, we would be happy to take a look if they could email them to smallwildcats [at] gmail.com. Or if there are photos anywhere on line already maybe you could send us the link.
Jennifer
Hey there, from the Shuswap in BC and we have had numerous sightings, and video/pics (not mine) of a large “black cougar”. Any idea what it could be? It is a large wild cat of some kind. Thanks!
Pat Bumstead
I’m not sure what you saw, but cougar do not come in black! There has never been a black cougar recorded anywhere in the last several hundred years, and they are a well studied cat. Is there a zoo or exotic cat owner near you that is missing a black leopard or jaguar?
Elliott Smith.
I saw a black cougar in wentworth Nova Scotia cross the road in front of me, 8-9 feet long. Using the distance from yellow to white line as a gage. Incredible sight.
Pat Bumstead
Yes, you can send the photo to smallwildcats [at] gmail.com. Looking forward to seeing it!
Loralie
Hi Two weeks ago I watched a large completely white cat walk through the forest at first I thought it was a large dog but it was a cat and it had a very long bushy tail. Again this morning I saw it and I was able to get a picture but not a good one, I’m about 150 ft away zooming in on my iphone. I plan to set up the bird camera on the trail to see if I can get a better shot. The cat was on the opposite side of a small ridge so you can’t get an idea of it’s true size but it’s big and definitely a cat, I watched him jump over a downed tree that is full of dead branches that probably sits 4 to 5 feet off the ground. Is there away for me to send in the picture?? I live in West Carleton just outside of Ottawa, Canada.
Pat Bumstead
Aside from your mention of a long tail, all your other comments describe a bobcat. That area is a normal part of their range, they are not overly concerned about people, and they include as many prairie dogs as possible in their diet. There are really no other wild cat options as Canada only has three wild cat species – cougar, lynx and bobcat. Cougar are not spotted, lynx are not found in the prairies, and bobcats are everywhere in southern Canada.
Craig Brake
just saw a unknown wildcat about 70km southeast of regina, a little larger than housecat size, spotted with a smallish white muzzle. had a real good look at each other, not a domestic(long tail, so probably not a lynx hybrid). seemed to be hunting the prarie dogs in the area. any ideas?
Pat Bumstead
It could have been a bobcat. Their population is increasing in southern Canada, and they are not overly concerned about the presence of humans.
Pat Bumstead
It could have been a bobcat. They are fairly common now in southern Alberta, and not generally worried about the presence of humans.
Marc Godin
On vacation in Quebec City. On August 23rd, 2017 we took the ferry over to Levis. Upon returning, we noticed a large cat walking along the rocks on the steep cliff from the lower ferry terminal to the houses above. Took a picture. I believe it was a bobcat.
Pat Bumstead
In your area, bobcats and Canada lynx both have tufts on the face, with those of the lynx being much larger. However, neither of these has a long tail. Cougar are the only Canadian wild cat with a long tail, and they do not have tufts of any kind. The only thing I can think of is a very large domestic cat. Both Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest cats have tufts on their face, long tails and can reach a good size although not even close to bobcat size. If the tail was bushy it could have been a red fox…
Pat Bumstead
Very cool indeed! A photo would have been great as there are still people who say there are no cougar in Ontario.
Michael K
I saw a cougar today in Northern Ontario. It crossed highway 144 east to west at 5:48pm just north of highway 560 turnoff. Easily 6 feet long. Slender but muscular. Grey. No tufts on ears. I hit the brakes, whipped out the phone and snapped a pic as it disappeared into the woods…but phone camera was in selfie mode 🙁
Anyway, very cool!
Johanne Sabourin
Ok. So I just saw SOMETHING go by quickly into the bush while I was zoomed in taking a picture of a buejay in Weedon, QC (eastern townships). I didn’t see it approach as I had my zoom in on the bird, but I caught it going into the trees between the cottages. It seemed to have tufts on the side of its face, however it also had a long tail! I was so caught off guard as I was walking alone that I didn’t stick around. I wish I would have got a picture ! My people here think I have a vivid imagination! Do 6you know what I could have seen?
Pat Bumstead
Given your location, chances are it was a Canada lynx. Having said that however, bobcats are getting more common in southern Canada. Bobcats like open country, lynx like forest.
Bess Pappas
I just saw either a lynx or a bobcat in Boileau, Quebec, J0V 1N0 on the hill above the north side of Lac Papineau. I startled it when I approached my garden and I heard some noise in the woods. I looked and saw a relatively large grey cat with his tail toward me as he ran away. I did not see his head so i cannot be sure of the type of cat.
Bruce Hopchin
Saw a lynx on the 4th Hole of the Victoria Golf Course (located in the city’s river valley) in Edmonton yesterday.
Pat Bumstead
This could be HUGE news! You need to contact Mark Elderkin at Nova Scotia Species at Risk to report this ASAP. Here is his contact information http://www.speciesatrisk.ca/municipalities/contactus.htm
Augusta stewart
I saw a cougar last night about 720…on my way to work…south of mink farm near Clyde river Shelburne county nova Scotia. Slender and muscular in build…tawny brown with black or darker brown on ears and face and on tip of tail….long tail that drooped then curled up when it ran… no tufts on ears …short fur…do spots or stripes noted….I was quite close as it ran cross the highway and into the ditch
Pat Bumstead
You did not give your location so we can’t really tell you if that’s possible or not. City? Province?
Bee
I’m pretty sure I saw a lynx in a tree above Duplessis road, on a very secluded stretch, near Mont Tremblant this morning. Is that possible?
Pat Bumstead
The best place to get information on wildlife corridors is Highway Wilding.org. While their website is mainly focused on the Rocky Mountains, they do have a lot of stats to back up the success of the corridors, as well as a lot of other information.
Laura
Hello I just wanted to ley you know of at 3 sightings of a bob cat in the Whitelaw Rd.-Fife – Niska Rd. area. on the west side of Guelph On. There is a large ESA – the Speed River Wetland PSW complex and forested areas, A few years ago there was ? a cougar sighting as well. . It is a major deer yard as well. The wetland complex is over 500 acres
There is a municipal EA ongoing now with a preferred option of widening Niska road and putting in a 2 lane bridge. The existing road is only 6 meters wide with a 20 meter road allowance. The road currently transects the wetland and the forest. There is an option to close the bridge to traffic. This would preserve the major wildlife corridor along the Speed River and provide safer passage.
Do you have info on wildlife corridors that would be helpful to us? I can send more info Thanks laura