The lynx known as AK-99-F05 was a pioneer in Colorado.
The fact that her life at age 13 was taken by a poacher two weeks ago, greatly distresses Tanya Shenk, the Colorado Division of Wildlife researcher who has devoted herself since 1999 to the reintroduction of lynx into Colorado.
“To think she succumbed at the hands of a human being after she had done so much for the reintroduction seemed an injustice,” said Shenk. “It seemed an injustice she didn’t die a natural death.” Lynx usually live to age 15.
AK-99-F05 was the last remaining collared lynx brought into Colorado in 1999 that was still being tracked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Many of the lynx introduced in 1999 came from Canada. But AK-99-F05 was from Alaska trapped by Alaska Fish and Game.
The lynx was quite the traveler and was re-collared twice by the DOW. Each time, she appeared healthy, said Shenk.
For a number of years, she made her home around Silverton. Then she lived for a while in the northwest part of Rocky Mountain National Park. And at the end of her life, she was living above Green Mountain Reservoir in northern Summit County, taking frequent jaunts back to Rocky Mountain National Park.
But during her 13 years of life, she completely disappeared for two years.
Shenk said researchers have no idea where she went.
She may have gone to Montana and Idaho and then returned to Colorado like other of the lynx introduced to Colorado in 1999.
AK-99-F05 was last seen along Heeney Road on the afternoon of Jan. 16.
A mortality signal from the radio collar that the lynx was wearing was received on Jan. 18.
The collar was found not far from a road. Further away was evidence she had been poached, including a large amount of blood. However, her carcass had been removed.
Shenk had a lot of respect for the animal.
“She was a smart animal who was able to make it,” she said.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
