The lynx is a solitary cat that haunts the remote northern forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. 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. There are several species of lynx. Few survive in Europe but those that do, like their Asian relatives, are typically larger than their North American counterpart, the Canada lynx.
Ten Facts about Lynx
- All lynx are skilled hunters that make use of great hearing and eyesight so strong that a lynx can spot a mouse 250 feet (75 meters) away.
- Canada lynx eat mice, squirrels, and birds, but prefer the snowshoe hare.
- Lynx mate in early spring or late winter. About two months later, females give birth to a litter of one to four young.
- Humans sometimes hunt lynx for their beautiful fur. One endangered population, the Iberian lynx, struggles to survive in the mountains of Spain, far from the cold northern forests where most lynx live.
- Their size is about Head and body, 32 to 40 in (80 to 100 cm); Tail, 4 to 8 in (10 to 20 cm).
- Weight is about 22 to 44 lbs (10 to 20 kg).
- Lynx live primarily in the snowy and cold parts of the far north. They like cold wilderness areas far away from people.
- The lynx lives as long as 12-13 years
- A 30 pound lynx has bigger feet than a 200 pound mountain lion. Their big feet act like snowshoes, allowing them to hunt effectively even in deep snow.
- Lynx are very vocal. They can make an amazing variety of hissing, chattering and yowling sounds.
