We're two years into the COVID-19 pandemic and it seems more Manitobans are spending time outdoors and more wildlife sightings are being reported. 

That's according to Todd Whiklo who works for Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development. He says an uptick in sightings may be the result of more human activity.

"We have seen a great increase in people exploring the outdoors, our parks network, our trail network, and so when people are in the outdoors, in the wilderness, they tend to have these encounters that maybe they might not normally have. As long as it is a safe encounter, a pleasurable one, that is all we can ask for. It is really exciting."

One specific family of lynx seems to be getting a lot of attention.

ust tend to be quite secretive and shy. They keep to themselves. So, it’s a bit unusual for people to see them out and about as we have this winter.”

Meanwhile, when it comes to bears, one of the other predators that are commonly sighted in southeastern Manitoba, Whiklo says “when you talk about bears, those bears are hibernating now. So, they are pretty set up for winter. We won't be seeing them again. It looks like for quite a while yet, if winter continues on the way it is.”

He finds that many Manitoban residents may want to show compassion on these animals, but he advises against it. “Just make sure that they are not getting into unattended feeding sources, like bird feeders. And, if you have ongoing issues, you can always call your local district office and to seek some support.”

Whiklo says with more Manitobans exploring the outdoors, parks and trails, they will have encounters with wildlife. He encourages people to take photos and videos after making sure it’s going to be a safe encounter, and then enjoy it, because “it's really exciting.”