Lynxes and bobcats are two species in the same genus. There are four species in the lynx genus: Eurasian, Iberian, Canada, and bobcats.
A lynx has larger feet and longer legs than a bobcat to navigate deep snow. Its big, furry paws act like snowshoes to chase food. Much of the Canadian lynx’s diet is snowshoe hares. The Spanish lynx, also good at hunting rabbits and hares, has a population of around 1,111, once nearly extinct. The Eurasian variety feasts on reindeer three to four times its size.
The lynx haunts the remote northern forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. Lynx have thick fur that keeps them warm. Their large, furry paws hit the ground with a spreading motion that makes them function as natural snowshoes.
Bobcats and lynxes both have long fur, but bobcat fur is shorter, less dense, and rougher than lynx fur. Bobcat hair also tends to be lighter than lynx hair.
Bobcats can actually get much larger than Canada lynx. Canada lynx may reach 26 pounds while the biggest bobcats may weigh 44 pounds.
From a taxonomical view, the lynx genus includes four species: the Canada, Iberian, Eurasian, and the bobcat. The bobcat is a type of lynx also called the red lynx.
Canadian lynxes are larger on average than bobcats, but large bobcats can be the same size. Bobcats grow bigger in the north. Lynxes live in colder areas and have wider paws for better traction on snow. They also have longer ears, tufts, and more facial ruffs.
If you see a lynx, bobcat or cougar, stay together in a group. Face the animal, talk firmly, and back away slowly, leaving it an escape route.
The Canada lynx has long black ear tufts to distinguish it from other cats. Lynxes have longer hind legs, making their backs look arched. Their coat colors vary from yellowish-brown to rusty grey. Markings are fainter than on bobcats.
Can lynx be pets?
Pet lynxes are not uncommon. If domesticated as kittens, they are great companions. Yet, their behavior is not the same as pet dogs or cats, due to inherent nature. Adult lynxes, grow larger than domestic cats. The largest lynxes weigh over 60 pounds! So, what factors determine if lynx cats can be pets?
Four lynx species exist. Before considering a lynx as a pet, understand how large they become. Some people think they make good pets.
Lynx primarily eat small mammals. Their diet is rabbits and rodents. No, lynx do not suit as pets. Natural instincts and hunting behaviors make them unsuitable for domestication. Lynx are wild animals, not trained like domesticated ones. Their behavior is natural instincts and territorial.
The enclosure should have hiding places – logs, rocks and caves. Also needed is a water source to swim and play. Temperatures should be 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure access to sunlight and shaded areas. With proper habitat, a healthy, happy lynx life in captivity is possible.
Thirteen states require permits to own big cats like lynx: Idaho…. Lynx attack if scared. As prey-driven carnivores, pets could become meals. Lynx lack pack dynamics allowing human dominance. They prefer being alone.
Depending on state laws and disposition, lynx can be relatively big home cats. Wild cat lovers can find a lynx pet. Focus is the Canadian lynx and bobcat, most common lynxes chosen. The Canadian lynx and bobcat are both lynx genre, felidae family. They are smaller kinds. Lynxes see mice from 250 feet away. Plural can be lynx or lynxes.
Training methods are similar to other pets. Successful trainers start young, using toys and rewards. After a year good obedience and calm results. Lynxes are expensive exotic pets. Prices start around $2,000, depending on age and species. Finding 6 lbs of quality food daily will be difficult and increase costs quickly. Reputable dealers specializing in exotic animals are where lynxes can be found. Vetting health and socialization is crucial.
Lynxes are still wild cats, even as pets. They need appropriate care and provisions to thrive in captivity. Owning big cats is serious, but can be done. Lynxes live in cold, boreal forests with hares as favored prey. Much of Alaska and Canada provide lynx habitat. Though lynxes can be pets, they remain wild animals at heart. Their needs don’t align with traditional domestication. Still, some indulge the challenge of owning exotic species. Meeting specialized habitat, dietary, training and handling requirements allows properly governed lynx ownership.
Are there lynx in America?
The lynx is a medium-sized wild cat. Lynx live in North America, Russia, parts of Europe, and Asia. The Canada lynx lives in Canada, Alaska, and northern United States. The bobcat is found in the United States, southern Canada and Mexico. The Iberian lynx is only in southern Spain.
The Canadian lynx, also called the North American lynx, has thick, light brown or gray fur with spots. Males are slightly larger than females.
Jaguars in the United States are rare. But they have been spotted, so they might be returning. Lynxes are not extinct.
Lynx need large hunting areas. In Maine, male territories average 22 square miles, females 10 square miles. Ranges are larger in winter.
Lynx have excellent eyesight. Myths say this cat sees what others can’t. The lynx is the bobcat’s cold weather cousin. There are several lynx species. The Asian and European lynxes are larger that the Canada lynx.
The bobcat lives in southern Canada, the continental United States, and northern Mexico. Originally launched as Axe, Lynx was later introduced to the UK.
The lynx is Alaska’s only wild cat species, except on some islands. Males weigh up to 40 pounds. Lynx socialize outside breeding season. They are mid-sized predators.
In the late 1980s, nearly 100 Canada lynx were brought to New York. Lynx wandered widely, some nearly 500 miles. But it’s unclear if lynx still live in New York.
The bobcat inhabits semi-deserts, forests, swamps from southern Canada to central Mexico.
How many lynxes are left in the world 2023?
Worldwide, there are over 45,000 Eurasian lynxes. The IUCN has classified the species as near threatened. Fewer than 500 Iberian lynxes exist. As a mid-size carnivore, lynxes target smaller prey. Thus, protecting habitat at higher elevations as well as corridors linking those areas is critical. There are approximately 50,000 individuals. The Conservation Northwest has informed the FWS. They have redirected logging outside of lynx habitat. They also raised $16.5 million to protect the Loomis forest which is key lynx habitat. The poor Iberian lynx has lost its habitat to roads and developments. The population lacks genetic diversity. One way to increase diversity is to introduce more lynxes from healthier groups. There are at most 150 adult lynxes in northeastern France. This population will go extinct in less than 30 years. It urgently needs new genetic material to become sustainable. There are over 400 Iberian lynxes now. Although their numbers are declining from 93 in 2013 to 76 in 2015. Lynxes are among the most endangered felines with only a few hundred suspected to remain. The loss of the European rabbit has resulted in the decline of Iberian lynx populations. There are only 100 left. They can mainly be found in southwestern Spain. The Iberian Lynx is one of the critically endangered cat species. Habitat opening also favors coyotes and bobcats. This may cause additional lynx declines. 11,000 lynxes are legally hunted or trapped yearly.