Felis lynx
Status: Internationally important component of the wild fur
industry. Very valuable fur animal. Official Montana furbearer
managed and protected by regulated fur harvest seasons. Note:
The lynx was given 'Threatened' status under the Endangered Species Act in 2000.
Identifying Characteristics: Noticeably larger than the bobcat.
This medium-sized cat has large feet and long legs in proportion to its body
size. A very short tail. Winter pelage is a grizzled grayish-brown
mixed with buff or pale brown. The belly, legs, and feet are grayish-white
or buff white. The light fur of the underparts makes lynx pelts so
valuable. Very broad paws produce a snowshoelike effect that enables the
animal to traverse deep snow easily. Dense fur tends to exaggerate body
size. Total length: 28 to 37 inches. Weight: Approximately 35
pounds.
Habitat: Forested areas, swamps. Good snowshoe hare habitat is
good lynx habitat. Snowshoe hares prefer diverse forest with alternate
stands of conifer cover and shrubby openings for feeding. Lynx is a
species of the heavy forest.
Food Habits: Lynx feed almost entirely on snowshoe hares. Other
foods include mice, squirrels, and grouse. Only snowshoe hares can support
high-density lynx populations.
Life History: Primarily nocturnal and solitary. Secretive and
difficult to observe in the wild as lynx prefer higher altitudes and area away
from civilization. Mates during spring; young are born during May and June
after a 62 day gestation. Litter size is from one to four and averages
two. Dens in hollow logs, beneath roots, and other sheltered places.
The near total dependency on snowshoe hares for food has locked lynx populations
into the snowshoe hare life cycle.
Similar Species: Bobcat - paws are much larger and legs longer than
bobcat. Lynx has a lighter, less spotted, pelage. Tip of the tail on
the lynx is all black. Lynx has long tufts of hair on the ear tips.
Black fur on the back of the lower hind legs of the bobcat contrasts with the
lighter beige fur of the lynx.
