Lynx (2024)

FAQs

Are lynx and bobcat the same? ›

Both lynx and bobcats belong to the same Lynx genus. Bobcats are the smallest cats in the species with stubby tails and distinct dark strips on the forelegs and tail. Lynx are larger and have a tuft of dark hair on the tips of their ears. Lynx have longer legs and bigger paws.

The two Lynx species in North America, Canada lynx and bobcats, are both found in the temperate zone. While the bobcat is common throughout southern Canada, the continental United States and northern Mexico, the Canada lynx is present mainly in boreal forests of Canada and Alaska.

A lynx winter coat is light gray and faintly spotted, and the summer coat is much shorter and has a reddish-brown cast. Adult males average about 33 1/2 inches long and weigh between 26 and 30 pounds. Females are about 32 inches long and weigh between 17 and 20 pounds.

Lynx are wild cats that live in the forests of Europe, Asia, and northern North America. They are known for their sharp vision. Lynx are about 30 to 40 inches (80 to 100 centimeters) long, without the short tail. They weigh 20 to 45 pounds (9 to 20 kilograms).

Mountain lions and fishers are the Canadian lynx and bobcat's greatest enemy; the cats must also share habitat and prey with other predators, including bears, foxes, and coyotes. All lynx fiercely defend themselves when cornered, and although they typically avoid people, they may attack a human if threatened.

Caracals, sometimes called desert lynx, are not actually members of the lynx family though many people confuse them with lynx because of their ear tufts.

Due to their elusive nature, observing a lynx in its natural habitat is a rare treat and usually a fleeting, memorable moment.

Lynx can be found throughout much of the boreal forest of Alaska and Canada. Today, in the Lower 48 they are known to have sustained breeding populations in Montana, Washington, Maine, and Minnesota and have been reintroduced to Colorado.

Bobcats and lynx are listed as furbearers. State issues Fur Farm permit, but make one exception. If animal is raised not for its fur or body parts, a permit is not required. Importation of wild felines into the state requires an import permit.

No, lynx are wild animals and should not be kept as pets. They thrive best in their natural habitat. They're also not suited to human contact since they usually avoid humans in the wild.

What are baby lynx called? ›

We call lynx babies kits. After a 9 week gestation period, female lynx or "she-cats" give birth to litters of kits in May or June. Between one and four lynx kittens are born in each litter. Kits are born with fur, but they are helpless.

Mainly found in southwest Florida; but males can travel great distances and are often not seen where they occur. Bobcat (Lynx rufus floridanus) Color: Typically reddish brown with spots. White spots on backs of ears.

They even could be relatively similar size. The really only true way to tell the difference between a lynx in a bobcat is by the tip of their tail. A lynx will have a solid jet black tail whereas a bobcat has a black and white tail.

At present the species is found in the boreal forests throughout Canada (except Nova Scotia) and in the U.S. states of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Maine in habitats coincident with that of the snowshoe hare.

Predators/Threats

Humans are the main predator of the lynx; others include wolves and coyotes. A lynx will usually escape wolves by climbing, but has little chance in the open.

Bobcat × lynx

These hybrids have been bred in captivity and also occur naturally where a lynx or bobcat cannot find a member of its own species for mating. At least seven such hybrids have been reported in the United States, outside of captivity.

No, bobcats and housecats are not able to reproduce. Domestic cats (Felis catus) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) are different species from different genera and have significant genetic differences. While they are both part of the Felidae family, their genetic makeup is not compatible for successful breeding.

No, lynx are wild animals and should not be kept as pets. They thrive best in their natural habitat. They're also not suited to human contact since they usually avoid humans in the wild. They also might attack humans if they feel threatened.

Most of the time, no. Bobcats are solitary predators, and most known cases of attacks on humans have been a result of an animal contracting rabies.