The Canadian Lynx (Lynx canadensis) is a close relative of the Eurasian Lynx. Some authorities regard both as conspecific. However, in some characteristics the Canadian Lynx is more similar to the Bobcat than to the Eurasian Lynx.

This cat is found in northern forests across almost all of Canada and Alaska. In addition there are large lynx populations in Montana, Idaho and Washington. The Canadian Lynx is rare in Utah and New England. It is considered to be threatened in the contiguous United States.

The appearance of a Canadian Lynx resembles a Eurasian Lynx: the dense fur is silvery brown and may bear blackish markings. In summer, their coat takes on a more reddish brown colour. Males are larger than females. The lynx has a furry ruff which resembles a double-pointed beard, a short tail with a black tip and long furry tufts on its ears. Its long legs with broad furred feet aid the lynx in travelling through deep snow.

Lynxes hunt for hares, rodents and birds, sometimes killing larger animals such as deer. They rely mainly on hearing and sight to locate prey. In some areas the Snowshoe Hare is virtually the only prey of the Canadian Lynx. The size of the lynx population tends to follow the approximately 10 year long rise and decline of Snowshoe Hare numbers.

The lynx is a solitary and secretive animal, usually active at night, and require large territories. They breed in spring and 1 to 5 kittens are born. The survival of the young depends heavily on the availability of prey species.

These animals are trapped for their fur and have declined in many areas due to habitat loss.

The Newfoundland Lynx (Lynx canadensis subsolanus) is a subspecies of the Canadian Lynx. It is larger than the mainland lynxes. These animals are known to have killed caribou calves when snowshoe hares were not available.

External Links

• Canada Lynx - U.S. FWS (http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/species/mammals/lynx/)
• ISEC Canada (http://www.wildcatconservation.org/cats/factsheets/northamerica/lynx/)