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Colorado-Born Lynx Has Twin Kittens
Lynx, designated an endangered species by Colorado, were wiped out in the state by 1973, victims of trapping, poisoning and development.
A total of 218 lynx from Canada and Alaska have been released in southwestern Colorado since 1999, and at least 78 are confirmed dead. More than 80 births have been documented since 2003, and researchers believe the total number of lynx in the state is holding steady at about 200.
  This is a photograph provided by the Colorado Division of Wildlife shows two male lynx kittens June 17, 2006, in the southern mountains near Durango, Colo. The kittens are the first documented by the Colorado Division of Wildlife that were produced by a lynx that was born in Colorado. Because the eyes of the kittens were not open when this photograph was taken, researchers estimate that the kittens were no more than a week old at the time. (AP Photo/Colorado Division of Wildlife) (AP) 
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Four of the first five transplanted lynx starved to death, prompting a torrent of criticism from both advocates and opponents of reintroduction. The division quickly changed strategies, keeping the animals caged a few weeks to fatten them up instead of releasing them immediately. The delay also meant the animals would hit the high-country slopes later in winter, when more prey is available.
The state has spent $3.5 million since 1997 on the restoration program. The funds have covered the costs of transporting the cats from Canada, the researchers who study the animals and ensure their health, radio collars and monitoring, trapping, and pilots.
Kahn said no additional lynx will be released in Colorado next spring because of the decline in births.
"Given the high number of lynx currently out there we want to give them an opportunity to settle down and establish a stable social structure," he said.
The agency will assess the need for further releases and make recommendations to the Colorado Wildlife Commission, which oversees the division, next year.
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On the Net:
Colorado Division of Wildlife: http:/