gruesome bits of lynx
Originally posted December 30, 2007. This posted attracted much controversy at the time. For more background, see next post, Trapping Controversy.
A previous post, “Moose Decor,” unexpectedly hit the hot list [on social network of previous blog]. Moose antlers are very versatile. They can be used to decorate your log cabin or to illustrate your blog.
Today I heard some memorable sentences: “What are you going to do with the bear’s head?”; and “Tastes like moose”; and (my favorite) “What’s facebook?”
Also, “This trapper guy gave me some lynx claws. Would you like to see them?”
Well, gulp, yes I would. Lynx have great furry paws, to cope with deep snow. The fur is very soft, and the claws large. The lynx population numbers vary widely, following the cycle of the rabbit population, their chief prey.
Anyone who knows me is well aware of my overwhelming fondness for cats (obsessed might be the more accurate word). However, given the opportunity, yes I wanted to see the lynx claws (a collection from several animals), touch the soft fur (the reason they are trapped), arrange them on a slab and take a picture to illustrate the ultimate pointlessness of sentimentality.
UPDATE 2 days later: This post has attracted a lot of criticism. I regret not being clearer in my original words. I would like to emphasize that I do not endorse the killing or harming of any animal. I love cats and cannot bear to think about them being harmed in any way. I am totally against cruelty to other beings, including people and animals.
In terms of background, for those interested in facts, there are about 400 licensed trappers in the Yukon and lynx is one of the animals which are legally trapped (okay, let me say again, I DO NOT ENDORSE THIS). According to the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board, “approximately 50% of Yukon trappers are First Nations, for which trapping is a way of life with strong social and cultural traditions.”
