Eurasian lynx tracking

The best that Estonian nature has to offer –  Lahemaa National Park

Besides the prime goal of sightings of a Eurasian lynx, one of the world’s most elusive mammals, EB5’s catchphrase covers the main philosophy of this trip: looking for enigmatic animals in their natural surroundings. 

Lahemaa National Park, located on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland, is known for its diverse wildlife. Apart from three species of large carnivores (wolf, bear and lynx), the area is also home to elk, wild boar, raccoon dogs, badgers, beavers and American mink. In terms of birds, it is mainly a few species of owls, woodpeckers and grouse that stand out.

It is remarkable that, of the three resident large carnivores occuring in Lahemaa, lynx is the most realistic when it comes to spotting them in the wild. It is only later in the season that brown bears become easier to see. Once they wake up from their hibernation, they appear near photographic hides. The use of bait there ensures that observations are then almost guaranteed. But you should not and cannot expect lynx there. After all, their food mainly consists of self-killed prey, namely roe deer, beavers and mountain hares. Wolves are very, very difficult and far from reliable in Lahemaa. People hunting is the spoilsport here. Because of this, the population of wolves is very low, and the animals are extremely shy. For wolves, EB5 has far better options in Spain, Poland and Finland!

Lahemaa NP is currently  the hotspot for spotting Eurasian lynx

In recent years, Lahemaa has become the hotspot for spotting Eurasian lynx in the wild. The peak months for them are February and March.

The key to success is connections with a local person who lives in Lahemaa. Very exciting too is a pre placed grid of his camera traps set up in the area. Although there is still much to learn about this shy cat species, the information gleaned from these cameras, which trace the lynx movements, is invaluable. They are of great importance and  give  an instant and real image/idea of the resident lynx in the area: from maybe a female with a cub, solitary males, to immature animals and newly formed pairs.

In addition, the guide who will accompany the EB5 trips in Estonia, has a lot of experience in Lahemaa himself. This includes know-how about the animals themselves, their behavior, their movements and the territories they keep.

Late winter/early spring is by far the best season to look for Eurasian lynx 

February/March is the mating season for Eurasian lynx. Given these two peak months, there is the advantage of animals being very active patrolling and marking their territories. They might be heard calling too. At this time of the year, a snow covered landscape makes tracking easier too. In case of snowfall, daytime tracking is possible. Although an observation is less likely, it does give a nice picture of how and where lynx move in the area. And: a lynx trip can still take place perfectly in April. A first 8-day trip, EB5 wise, took place in the early spring of April 2024. It yielded observations of lynx every day. The best photos from that trip brighten up this itinerary as far as this new tour is concerned.

Mainly driving but also cross country tracking is an option 

People interested in joining this trip have to be physicaly fit when they want to do some snow tracking while exploring the area and searching  for lynx on foot. Though, in general, daily walks from dawn till dusk are not standard. Given the nocturnal lifestyle of Eurasian lynx, it is mainly the evenings and the first part of the night that lynx will be searched for. The 4WD, or a high clearance vehicle, will function as a mobile observation hide. Having a thermal camera and a good flashlight are essential and indispensable. Equipment and skills that the guide accompanying this trip has at his disposal. Warm clothes (multiple layers) suitable for winter conditions are highly recommended and good footwear is essential for those into day time birding and snow tracking.

Accommodation

Base camp is a high standard hotel nearby Lahemaa NP. This host will also serve breakfast and dinner. According the daily schedule, lunch (picnic) will take place either in the field, in a roadsite restaurant or in the host as well.

An avian biodiverse area

As well as lynx, the seven hundred and forty seven km² NP that will be partly explored, hosts an array of exciting birdlife. Since it is early spring, there are also ornithological opportunities during this trip. After all, it is the peak period for displaying grouse, calling owls and drumming woodpeckers. For those interested, this variety and top list of bird species, can further fill your day: white-backed, three-toed, grey-headed and black woodpeckers, ural, pygmy and tengmalm’s owls, capercaillie, hazel grouse and black grouse.

So, based on connections, our guide’s own knowledge, the weather, physical shape and interests of customers, a daily schedule will be drawn up to observe lynx and other wildlife in the field.

A trip for those who want to experience pure nature at its best!