Lynx captured in downtown Fredericton

The Canadian lynx that was spotted cowering by St. Dunstan's parish church Saturday morning was captured after a short chase through downtown Fredericton. 

The mature male cat was noosed and caged by officers from the Department of Natural Resources.

"We proceeded to chase this Lynx around the downtown until we finally got it underneath a deck," said Andrew Tingley, a forest ranger with Department of Natural Resources who responded to the call around 7:30 a.m. "We proceeded to use a noose, pulled a snare around it and put it in a dog kennel."

Tingley says the animal was was chased about a kilometer away from the churchyard where it was originally spotted and captured without the use of tranquillizers in a residential area on Lansdowne Street.

"He appeared to be pretty exhausted," said Tingley. "He seemed very played out and I imagine he got chased around a bit last night maybe by people, or dogs and cats in the city."

"It's pretty docile," said DNR officer Phillip Russell, who was on the scene of the capture. "It very well could have been someone's pet."

The lynx looked "in pretty good health," Russell said. Given its proximity to the city's downtown core, there was a possibility it was an escaped or released pet.

But, Tingley says that after an examination, he believes it is more likely the lynx was expanding its territory in order to secure a mate and got lost in the process.

"This is the time of year they breed," said Tingley. "The first of March towards the middle of April." 

Tingley says the animal was evaluated by a wildlife technician.

The cat was originally spotted directly across the street from the city's bustling farmers market. Sections of Regent Street were blocked off as Fredericton police and DNR officials responded. 

The lynx was transported away while residents of the street looked on. 

The Canadian lynx is considered an "at risk" species New Brunswick, but officials believe there is a breeding population established within the province.