Lynx refused to come down from Northwest Trek tree

EATONVILLE — A Canadian lynx climbed a tree at the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park at Eatonville and remained in the top branches for more than two weeks until it died.

After park workers found the carcass Saturday at the base of the tree, a necropsy showed the cat died of dehydration. It had no condition that would have prevented it from climbing down. Officials speculate the animal was simply afraid.

The wildlife park has two remaining lynx.

A park spokeswoman, Cherilyn Williams, says workers have put sheet metal around tall trees to limit how high the cats can climb.