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Slough, B.G.
Characteristics of Canada Lynx, _Lynx canadensis_, Maternal Dens and Denning Habitat
1999 Canadian Field-Naturalist (113): 605-608
Female Canada Lynx (_Lynx canadensis_) use maternal dens from birth until the kits are weaned and foraging with their mothers. I inspected 39 den sites during a long-term study of lynx population dynamics in southwestern Yukon. Most dens were under deadfall debris in burns, which predominated in the study area. Slowdown debris, mature and shrub subalpine fir trees, and willow shrub thickets were also used for denning in burned or unburned areas. Dens were generally located mid-slope and faced south or southwest. Dens were not re-used in subsequent years. Den sites of neighbouring females, and sites used by females in different years, were as close as 300 m. Females occasionally relocated dens even when not disturbed by the investigators. Den sites are an important habitat feature which, along with foraging habitat, cover and travel corridors, may enhance lynx recruitment. Den site availability should be taken into consideration when managing or assessing changes to lynx habitats.
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