Denver ? Tracking crews found seven lynx kittens born to two mothers over the Memorial Day weekend, marking the second year in a row reproduction has been documented in Colorado’s ongoing reintroduction program.

A female released in 2000 was found May 29 with four healthy kittens beneath the roots of a live Engelmann spruce at 11,000 feet in a rugged, remote area of southwestern Colorado.

Another female released in 2000 was discovered on May 31 with three healthy kittens hidden away in downed timber in a forest of Englemann spruce and subalpine fir at 11,000 feet in the same general area.

Last year state trackers confirmed that at least 16 lynx kitten had been born in Colorado, the first recorded births since lynx were first released in 1999. Neither of the lynx that had kittens this spring gave birth last year.

Colorado officials have released 167 lynx in Colorado since the program began in 1999. Up to 50 more lynx will be released next year with another 15 each in 2006 and 2007.