DNA samples collected by federal wildlife officials show that the Canada lynx exists in the northern Oregon Cascades, said Ken Byford, a biologist with the Willamette National Forest.

"We were notified of the lynx last Thursday afternoon (Jan. 21)," he said. "DNA results came in from Willamette. The Deschuttes and Mt. Hood National Forests also had (DNA) samples showing there are lynx."

The last confirmed lynx in Oregon was taken 25 years ago near Corvallis and since then it was believed that none existed in the state.

"There is definitely a population of lynx's out there, not just a few roaming individuals. We must protect our wild forests for the lynx, the wolverine and all the other sensitive species that depend on our ancient forests," said Doug Heiken of the Oregon Natural Resources Council upon hearing about the rediscovery.

In June, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to list the lynx as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and a final rule is expected within a year of that date.

Both Heiken and Byford think that the rediscovery of the lynx in Oregon is unlikely to change the listing status of the species.

"Oregon was already included in the listing area even though there was some debate whether the lynx was extirpated from Oregon. This does not seriously change the overall status picture for lynx," said Heiken.

Byford said that the rediscovery leaves Oregon to ponder the question of whether or not the state will be included in the current range of the species.

The Canada lynx, the only lynx in North America, is a secretive forest-dwelling cat of northern latitudes and high mountains. It was historically found throughout much of Canada, the forests of northern tier states and subalpine forests of the central and southern Rockies.

Habitat loss and modification, increased human access to suitable habitat and human induced changes in habitat that have allowed other species such as bobcats and coyotes to move into lynx habitat and compete with them have contributed to the species decline.

As well, timber harvest, road construction, urban sprawl and the development of skiing facilities have also adversely affected the secretive cat.

A radical and elusive environmental group known as the Earth Liberation Front claimed responsibility for torching a ski lodge and other facilities at Vail, Colo., last October, saying it did it "on behalf of the lynx."

Earlier this month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it will release 10-15 lynx into the southern Rocky Mountains in Colorado as part of a reintroduction program aimed at long-term recovery of the species.

Jan 29: Lynx Rediscoverd in Oregon Cascades

Jan 24: Missing Lynx No Longer Missing in the Oregon Cascades

Jan 23: Signs of Lynx, Believed Extinct in Western Oregon, Found in Cascades