Lynx found shot in river near Złocieniec, Poland

A female lynx was found dead in the Kokna River near Złocieniec, Poland. Preliminary investigations suggest the animal was shot, likely with hunting weapons, as bullet fragments were recovered from its body during an examination by the West Pomeranian Nature Society and local police.

The incident occurred in an area bordering two hunting districts managed by the ‘Jeleń’ and ‘Cyranka’ hunting clubs. Because the animal's body was in an advanced state of decomposition, experts cannot confirm if the lynx was a nursing mother. Naturalists expressed grave concern that if she had young, they may be left without a chance of survival in the forest.

Lynxes are under strict species protection in Poland. This marks the eleventh lynx killed illegally since the start of the species' recovery program. Genetic testing will be conducted to determine if the lynx was part of a reintroduction program or was born in the wild. The Polish Hunting Association has issued a statement regarding the matter as the police investigation continues.