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There are four species of lynx. The Eurasian lynx is the largest of the species, followed by the extremely endangered Iberian lynx. The North American Bobcat and the Canada lynx are the smallest. They tend to be solitary and inhabit the remote forest areas of the northern hemisphere.
Lynx are covered with beautiful thick fur that keeps them warm during frigid winters. Their large paws are also furry and hit the ground with a spreading toe motion that makes them function as natural snowshoes.
These stealthy cats avoid humans and hunt at dawn and dusk and at night, so they are rarely seen.
All lynx are skilled hunters that make use of exceptional hearing (the tufts on their ears act as a hearing aid) and eyesight.
Canada lynx eat mice, squirrels, and birds, but prefer the snowshoe hare. Bigger Eurasian lynx hunt deer and chamois in addition to small animals.
Lynx mate in early spring or late winter. About two months later, females give birth to a litter of one to four young.
Fast Facts
Type: Mammal
Diet: Carnivore
Average lifespan in the wild: 15 t0 17 years
Size: Head and body, 80 to 100 cm; Tail, 10 to 20 cm
Weight: 15 to 22 kg
Protection status: Threatened
Distribution:
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