Lynx family spotted in the Harz Mountains: A hiker becomes an animal photographer!

Lynx family spotted in the Harz Mountains: A hiker becomes an animal photographer!

The Harz, known for its breathtaking nature and picturesque viewpoints, attracts a large number of visitors every year. This also applies to Manfred Werner from Oberkirch in Baden-Württemberg, who recently went on a hike from Schierke to the Brocken. During his tour he was lucky enough to discover a family of lynx in the middle of the forest. There was a magnificent lynx and its four young animals, which blended harmoniously into the landscape. Werner captured this special moment with a photo that now inspires nature lovers.

These sightings are not just coincidences; According to Silvester Tamás, the coordinator of the NABU lynx project in Thuringia, the successful settlement of lynx in the Harz National Park is a very positive sign. There are currently around 150 lynxes living in the Harz, which represents a remarkable density. Tamás emphasizes that the observations indicate that the animals are doing well and are comfortable in their new habitats.

Lynx enclosure in the Harz: An experience for young and old

For those who would like to learn more about lynxes, the lynx enclosure at the Rabenklippe, near Bad Harzburg, offers a great opportunity. The lynx display enclosure is accessible at any time and entry is free. Here you can observe the shy animals during the public feeding, which takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. No registration is necessary for groups, so spontaneous visits are possible at any time.

The animals can hide well in the extensive enclosure, which sometimes makes visibility difficult. However, a high-altitude visitor platform allows a “fence-free” view of the action. The enclosure from Bad Harzburg can be reached via designated hiking trails that extend for around 4 kilometers. Those who enjoy hiking have the opportunity to save around 200 meters in altitude with the Burgberg cable car.

The distribution of the lynx in Germany

In Germany, lynxes are native to three main populations. The largest population extends across the Harz, from Lower Saxony via Saxony-Anhalt to Thuringia, to the Weser and to northern Hesse. There is also a population in eastern Bavaria and a third in the Palatinate Forest, which emerged from a reintroduction project. What is particularly pleasing is the first evidence of reproduction in this population from 2018, which documents the return of these majestic animals to their native nature.

However, the lynx needs quiet forest areas with sufficiently safe hiking trails to raise their young. The protected forest areas in the NATURA 2000 network are under pressure from various economic interests, such as forestry and wood use. It remains important to protect these sensitive habitats in order to introduce future generations to these impressive animals.

So if you want to experience the adventure of the lynx up close, you have the opportunity to gain fascinating insights into the life of this protected species in the Harz Mountains and at the same time enjoy the impressive nature.