Global warming cited for adding special habitat for Canada Lynx

PAUL BEDARD | SEPTEMBER 27, 2013

The administration is increasingly citing global warming to justify expansion of the endangered species habitat, pushing development and recreation away from over 26 million acres, the latest to save the Canada Lynx.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this week proposed slightly expanded "critical habitat" for the endangered lynx in part because the administration claims warmer winters from Maine to Washington State have reduced the area of “fluffy snow” the 25-pound cat likes to hunt snowshoe rabbits in.

“Climate change is likely to be a significant issue of concern for the future conservation of the lynx,” said the agency in a 187-page proposed rule that will now collect public comments. “Climate change is expected to substantially reduce the amount and quality of lynx habitat in the contiguous United States, with patches of high-quality habitat becoming smaller, more fragmented, and more isolated,” said the agency.

An agency official said that climate change was “not a factor” in the lynx decision, however......To Read More....