Silent “Paws”

After spotting this lynx sprint across the road about a quarter kilometre ahead of me, I pulled over and hiked down an old cut line where I’ve often found fresh tracks crossing. It was a long shot, but I tried to anticipate where it might emerge. Less than ten minutes later, the lynx stepped silently into view, my heart started to race with excitement. We locked eyes. It paused, perfectly still, those massive paws planted in the snow. I was struck by its quiet beauty, especially as it showed off those oversized paws. The cat seemed at ease with me, even sitting down and looking off into the forest, as if weighing whether to hang out for a while or continue its journey. Another unforgettable encounter!!