In Läänemaa, Saunja village, a bold lynx was captured on camera walking in close proximity to a residential house. The video creator, who first noticed the animal on the morning of February 13, mistook it for a dog from a distance due to its cautious gait. Upon coming closer, the creator recognized it as a lynx and shared the video on Facebook, where it quickly garnered over 150,000 views, sparking much discussion among locals. Many commented on the lynx’s beautiful appearance, noting that it seemed well-fed.

Lynxes are a common species in Estonia but tend to lead a more elusive lifestyle which makes them rarely seen in the wild. Typically, they prefer forested and quiet areas where they can stealthily pursue their primary prey, such as roe deer and hares. Encounters near human settlements usually happen by chance, particularly when searching for food or when young lynxes are exploring new territories.

Despite their imposing appearance and the anxiety an unexpected sighting might provoke, lynxes generally avoid human contact and attacks on humans are exceedingly rare. This incident not only highlights the wildlife that inhabits the Estonian landscape but also reflects the ongoing interactions between nature and human communities, emphasizing the importance of coexisting with local wildlife in a sustainable manner.