Lynx (animal)

Lynx (animal), common name for a wild carnivore characterized by disproportionately long legs and large, heavy paws. Lynxes are found throughout the temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern hemisphere. They are stout-bodied animals, 65 to 130 cm (26 to 51 in) in length, with thick, soft fur and short, stubby tails. Most species have a tuft of hair, more than 2 cm (• in) long, at the tip of each ear. Lynxes are agile climbers, spending some of their time in good weather on the branches of trees, waiting for the weaker mammals and terrestrial birds that constitute their prey to pass beneath them. It is also common for lynxes to stalk their prey. In inclement weather and when breeding, they take shelter in caves or in hollow trees or logs. Two to four kittens make up the average litter. Lynxes are valued for their fur.

Generally, four types of lynxes are recognized: the Spanish lynx, whose population continues to decline and which is listed as an endangered species; the bobcat, also known as the wildcat, which is widespread throughout the United States; the Eurasian lynx of Scandinavia and northern Eurasia; and the Canadian lynx. The Canadian lynx is found from the northern United States throughout Canada and Alaska; it is the largest species in North America. The Eurasian lynx is a heavily built cat with long legs. Its coat is yellowish-brown in summer, paler in winter, and covered in large pale spots, especially on the legs. The average head-and-body length is 80 to 130 cm (35y to 51 in). The Spanish lynx is only slightly smaller than the Eurasian species. Its coat is also similar, only the spots are smaller and darker. They both feed on hares, rabbits, rodents, deer, and ground birds.

Scientific classification: Lynxes belong to the family Felidae. The Spanish lynx is classified as Lynx pardinus, the bobcat as Lynx rufus, the Eurasian lynx as Lynx lynx, and the Canadian lynx as Lynx canadensis.