A federal judge told attorneys for the state Friday that Maine appears to be violating the Endangered Species Act by allowing trapping that could harm Canada lynx. U.S. District Court Judge John Woodcock did not make a ruling on whether the state can be held liable whenever one of the federally protected wildcats is caught inadvertently in traps set for other animals. But the judge made clear that he believes the state has an uphill battle in the lawsuit filed by the Animal Protection Institute. If successful, the suit could dramatically affect — or even bring to a halt — trapping throughout much of central and northern Maine.
Judge says state could be liable for lynx trappings
Kevin Miller
Bangor Daily News