A motorist in Vaud had an unlikely encounter with a predator, believed to be a lynx. The scene reportedly took place between La Claie-aux-Moines and La Croix-sur-Lutry (VD) at around 11:30 p.m. when the motorist saw an animal in the distance in the middle of the road. Initially mistaking it for a fox, it was only when the tips of the animal’s ears were visible that it became clear it was actually a lynx. The motorist was able to capture footage of the lynx crossing the road and heading for a nearby meadow. The Directorate General for the Environment (DGE) has noted that while lynx are regularly observed on the Plateau, they cannot confirm their presence in this specific area, as direct observations by a wildlife supervisor have not been made.
Vaud
“It was when I saw its ears that I realized it was a lynx”
A Waldensian has an unlikely encounter with a predator. The feline, however, did not seem bothered by his presence.
Published
The scene took place last week, between La Claie-aux-Moines and La Croix-sur-Lutry (VD), around 11:30 p.m. “I had just dropped off a friend at his home when I saw an animal in the distance in the middle of the road. At first I thought it was a fox and it wasn’t until I approached and saw the tips of its ears that I realized it was a lynx,” said a motorist. Vaudois.
Intrigued, the latter pointed the headlights of his car towards the grove behind which the feline had hidden, before drawing his phone to start filming. “I was incredibly lucky! The lynx directly crossed the road in the other direction and quietly headed for the meadow below. My presence, or that of my car, did not seem to bother him in the least,” rejoices this reader.
The young man is however surprised by the presence of the animal in this place. “I’ve lived in the area forever and I’ve never heard of lynx living around. Besides, I have a friend who went to the mountains for two weeks to photograph lynx. And, at the same time, I filmed one 200 meters from his home. He will be disgusted when he finds out,” laughs the Vaudois.
Not noted by the Canton
The Directorate General for the Environment (DGE) indicates that it could be a lynx, but cannot confirm its presence in this perimeter, for lack of direct observations by a wildlife supervisor. The DGE adds that the lynx is observed regularly on the Plateau. And if he doesn’t flee, it’s probably because he doesn’t detect the human presence, blinded by car headlights.
In conclusion, this unlikely encounter between a Vaudois motorist and a lynx highlights the diverse and fascinating wildlife that can be found in Switzerland. While the presence of the lynx in this area has not been confirmed by wildlife supervisors, it serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect these magnificent creatures. And who knows, perhaps there are other surprises waiting to be discovered in the Swiss countryside.