- Lynx are members of the cat family.
- Lynx comes from the Greek word leukos, meaning bright. It is believed that lynx got their name because of the way their eyes shine in light.
- There are four species of lynx.
- Eurasion Lynx-They live in Northern Europe and Western Siberia.
- Iberian also known as Spanish Lynx- They live in Spain and Portugal. The Iberian Lynx is listed as critically endangered. It is believed that there is approximately 156 left in the wild. This is due to lack of food.
- Canada or American Lynx- They live in Canada and Alaska.
- Bobcat- Bobcats live in the U.S, Southern Canada and Northern Mexico.
- Lynx are mammals.
- They are carnivores, meaning they eat meat.
- Lynx hunt birds, fish, hares, deer, mice and other small animals.
- Their fur can be a variety of colors including tan, yellow, brown and black.
- A lynx’s fur is very thick. Their thick fur keeps them warm in cold climates.
- They are often hunted for their thick fur to make coats and other fur accessories.
- Lynx have round furry paws that spread out when they walk. These paws are often referred as snow shoes as they help them walk on snow.
- On average lynx are 36-48 inches long from the top of their heads to the ends of their tails.
- On average they weight between 22-45 pounds. The Eurasion Lynx is the largest species of lynx. They can weigh up to 65 pounds.
- Lynx live in dens in different types of habitats. Lynx can live is prairies, temperate forests, tundras, and rocky areas.
- Lynx have very sharp claws that they use to kill their prey and climb trees.
- Lynx have excellent hearing and sight. They are able to spot their prey from over 250 ft away.
- Lynx are not fast runners. They have to watch and sneak up on their prey.
- They are solitary animals, meaning they spend most of their time alone.
- Lynx come together with other lynx during mating season. This occurs in late winter or early spring.
- Female lynx have a litter of 1-6 babies called kittens.
- Kittens weigh 6-15 ounces when they are born.
- Kittens stay with their mother for one year. During that year the mother lynx teaches her babies how to survive out on their own.
- Lynx are nocturnal meaning they are most active at night.
- Similar to house cats, lynx make meowing, purring and hissing sounds.
- Cougars, wolves, coyotes and humans are all predators to lynx.
- Lynx usually live about 14 years in the wild. They can live over 25 years in captivity.