Lynx

[edit] Guide Note

The lynx is a medium sized wild cat, consisting of four species, the Canadian lynx, Eurasian Lynx, Bobcat and Iberian Lynx.¹ It is seen in Canada, northern United States, Europe and Asia.²

[edit] Fast Facts

1. Habitat: Prairies, tundra, forests, scrubland³
2. Diet: Carnivorous²
3. Size: 32 to 40 inches (head and body), 4 to 8 inches (tail)²
4. Weight: 22 to 44 lbs²
5. Gestation period: 63 to 74 days, depeding on species³
6. Age of maturity: 2 years (female), 2.5 years (male)³
7. Life Span: 12 years in the wild³
8. Protection status: Threatened²
9. Order: Carnivora³
10. Family: Felidae⁴

The lynx is a solitary mammal, coming together only for breeding purposes.³ Mating takes places in late winter or early spring.² The young are born under trees or rock piles. They will nurse for four to five months and are independent at about ten months of age.³ The lynx adapts to its habitat and prey. The lynx preys on hares and as the population of hares decreases, the lynx struggles to survive.³

All species of the lynx have white fur on inner legs, chest and belly. The rest of the fur color varies by climate.³ It has large furry paws, with toes that spread as they hit the ground.² The lynx also has short tails and small tuft of hair at the tip of its ears.⁴

• Eurasian: It is the largerst, most numerous and widespread of the lynx. Seen in 46 countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.³
• Iberian: One of the smaller of the lynx. It is only seen in Spain and Portugal. Its population is less than 300 worldwide.³
• Canadian: It is found in Canada and northern United States. It is yellowish brown in appearance but may have dark spots. Its coat is longer in the winter to provide insulation from the cold.⁵
• Rufus: The rufus lynx is a bobcat. It is similar looking to the Canadian lynx, but isn't as well adapted for heavy snow. If it has a place to hide and live in rocky areas for shelter from extreme cold, then it can live in a variety of habitats.³