(File photo)

A person from Sioux Lookout is recovering in hospital after being attacked by a lynx.

The incident took place Thursday night around 11:30.

The OPP say a person had an encounter with a lynx in the Millar Crescent area and was injured.

Police officers says they patrolled the area, but were unable to locate the large cat.

If you encounter a lynx or cougar:

• Never approach the animal, especially if it’s near a kill or with young.
• Never offer it food.
• Do not run, a cat’s instinct is to chase.
• If you’re with others, stay together and act as a group.
• Face the animal and talk firmly while slowly backing away.
• Always leave the animal an escape route.
• Do not crouch down or try to hide, instead try to appear larger.
• Do not take your eyes off the animal or turn your back.
• If the animal does not flee, be more assertive by shouting, waving your arms and throwing anything available.

Eliminate sources of food

• Do not put meat, fish or other attractive foods in your composter.
• Frequently wash garbage cans, recycling containers and their lids with a strong-smelling disinfectant.
• Do not leave garbage cans outside overnight.
• Secure garbage lids, clean up spilled garbage and do not leave garbage around a campsite or cottage.
• Empty the grease trap from barbecues.
• Feed pets indoors.

How to avoid conflicts

• Consider motion-sensing lights to light all walkways around your home.
• Watch for signs of animal activity such as tracks, claw marks and droppings.
• Make noise as you travel through the woods – talk, sing, carry a radio.
• Travel in groups.
• If hiking alone, tell someone where you plan to go and what time you expect to return.
• Keep dogs leashed so they do not provoke attacks by wild animals.

For more information on lynx encounters please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/preventing-and-managing-conflicts-lynx-bobcats-and-cougars

Should you see a lynx in a residential area and you believe there is a risk to the public, you are urged to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or by dialing 911 if it is an emergency situation.