Introduction

"... To determine better the distribution and abundance of lynx in Utah, a Challenge Cost Share Agreement was entered into between the Ashley National Forest and the Utah Natural Heritage Program (UTHP). The objectives of this report are to fulfill the requirements of this agreement. Therefore, this report contains the following information:
1. An assessment of the habits of the lynx and its habitat needs.
2. A review of historical records, inquiries, and interviews to determine past sightings and locations of lynx.
3. An inventory plan for the lynx in consultation with the Ashley and Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and Utah Wilderness Association..."

The appendices describe records of lynx occurrences in Utah. In its proposed rule to list the lynx, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service referenced these records to support the adverse effects of increased human access on lynx (see record for "USDI 1998"):

"Increasing human access into Canada lynx habitat has increased the vulnerability of Canada lynx to both legal and illegal harvest in areas that, historically, were relatively isolated from humans (Todd 1985; McKay 1991; Washington Department of Wildlife 1993; M. Hunter, pers. comm. 1994). In the Uinta Mountains of Utah, most of the documented Canada lynx specimens were shot during deer hunting season in an area easily accessed by hunters (McKay 1991)." (USDI 1998, p. 37006)