694 Life-histories of Northern Animals 



are not its usual prey, nor does it care to assail them except 

 when able to do so in force. 



NEVER So far I have not met with an authentic case of the Lynx 



MAN voluntarily attacking man. It may sneak along the hunter's 

 trail after dark, and close behind him, but it seems to be 

 actuated by curiosity more than anything else, and having 

 come close enough to inspect or wind him, is most likely to glide 

 away in search of its proper prey. 



I have several times been followed in this way, but usually 

 did not know it till afterwards, when I happened to come 

 back again to my old track in the snow. 



A hunter told me that he once secured a fine specimen 

 through knowledge of this habit. 



Chancing on his own track again within a few min- 

 utes, he saw the great pad-marks of a Lynx evidently trot- 

 ting behind him. He crossed an open space into some 

 brush and there sat down to watch. Within five minutes 

 the Lynx came running the trail like a hound and, when 

 within twenty yards, was easily bowled over with a charge of 

 heavy shot. 



Several of my companions about Carberry have met with 

 Lynxes among the Sandhills. In most cases the creature 

 walked away, retiring with great dignity, or uttering a deep, 

 defiant growl. 



The only account I find of a Lynx facing a man is by Pro- 

 fessor H. Y. Hind, and, although he did not witness the afifair, 

 he seems to believe it. In this case the Lynx did not attack 

 voluntarily, but was at bay. The incident took place on an 

 island opposite Mingan Post on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 

 Peter Mackenzie, armed but with bow, arrows, knife, and 

 snow-shoes, landed on the island in early spring while yet 

 there was snow, and found the Lynx. After a long pursuit 

 he struck it with two arrows. 



"At last he came within twenty yards; the Cat turned 

 round, rose on his hind-legs, snarled, and began to paw the 

 air. Mackenzie discharged another arrow, but at the same 



