Lynx (Lynx canadenis)

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Lynx paw prints

Lynx are one of the most northerly wild cats. They are small yet powerful hunters. Lynx try to stay away from humans as much as possible so you rarely see them.

Characteristics and Physical Features of the Lynx

Identification:

     Height: Most adult lynx are 30 to 42 in. (74 to 107 cm.) long.
     Weight: Most adult lynx weigh from 18 to 30 pounds (8.2-13.6 kg.). Male lynx are generally larger then females and occasionally weigh 40 pounds (18.2 kg.) or more.
     Color: Beige with spots of gray black

     Distinguishing Characteristics: Lynx have long tuffs on their ears that serve as sensitive antennae, enhancing hearing.

     Breeding: Mating occurs in March and early April, and kittens are born about 63 days later under a natural shelter such as a wind fallen spruce, a rock ledge, or a log jam. Lynx kittens resemble domestic cats at birth and are buff colored with longitudinal streaking on their backs. Their eyes open at about 1 month of age, and they are weaned when 2-3 months old. Most litters include two to four kittens, but sometimes as many as six are born and survive.

Habitat:

   Range: Much of Canada and Alaska south into much of Washington, northern Oregon, northern Idaho, and extreme northwest Montana. Also Rocky Mountain areas of Wyoming and northern Colorado. In the East, northern New England and extreme northwest New York; in the Midwest, northern Michigan and northern Wisconsin.

     Diet: Lynx eat mainly arctic hares and other small rodents. But commonly eat squirrels, ptarmigan, and grouse.

Does the hare population effect how many lynx there are?

When a hare population crashes, Lynx numbers soon decline because of the small number of kittens reaching adulthood.

Do lynx live anywhere then the Arctic?

Lynx can be found in northern North America, Central and Western Europe, the USSR, Scandinavia, Asia Minor, Iran, Iraq, Central Asia, and parts of Spain and Portugal.

How do lynx walk through the deep snow with out sinking?

They have large broad paws that work much like snowshoes.  

What do the tuffs on lynx's ears do?

Lynx have long tuffs on their ears that serve as sensitive antennae, enhancing hearing.

How does a lynx differ from a more southern wild cat, like the bobcat?

The lynx has longer legs, longer and denser fur, and larger, thickly furred paws.

How do the Arctic people benefit from the lynx?

The lynx is easily trapped and one pelt can sell for up to 500 dollars. Lynx also have very warm fur.

Written by Caleb