Welcome to the territory of the Eurasian lynx

Discreet, silent, almost invisible… And yet very much present in our forests of the Jura Arc: the boreal lynx is one of the most mysterious animals in our beautiful Bugey region.

Few people are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it, and many are even unaware of its existence in our country. It has been making a comeback since the 1970s. There is currently a population of around 150 adults in France, where the species is strictly protected.

At the Cerdon Caves, we are fortunate to be in the shared territory of a male and a discreet female.

This “ghost of the woods,” with its silent gait, large paws adapted to snow, black tufts at the tips of its ears, and piercing gaze, remains solitary and elusive.

For the Ascension weekend, Thursday, May 14th and Friday, May 15th, 2026, the Cerdon Caves site invites the IGMA Biodiversité association, active in monitoring and improving knowledge for the conservation of the Eurasian lynx in France, to an event to learn about the lynx, its habits, and its way of life.

Over these two days, at 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 4:00 pm, during a presentation of approximately 20 minutes, you will share the field experience of the association’s volunteers through images, films, anecdotes, traces to observe, and simple explanations that will delight young and old alike.

This activity is not just a nature discovery. It is designed to be friendly and accessible to everyone. Throughout the day, families are invited to ask questions, share their experiences, and actively participate.

An event to complement your day at the Cerdon Caves, between visiting the cave and participating as a family in our various prehistoric workshops in the park.