Canada Lynx Lives for 20 Years- Canadian Wildlife Education Series

Natures Solitary Wild Cat the Canada Lynx

By nature Canada Lynx are a solitary, elusive and territorial wild cat. Due to food shortage and natural behavior the lynx requires a large home territory. The Canada Lynx resembles a very large house cat.

The Canada Lynx (Lynx Canadensis) is a majestic cat with thick, light brown and grey fur. It can be recognized by it's large ears with long black tufts which are similar to that of a bobcat. The lynx's tail is short and stubby with a black tipped tail. It's long legs and huge paws make it an adapt hunter in deep snow. One can't help but recognize it for it's graceful fur collar, that looks like a beard. Canada Lynx weigh an average of 17 to 30 lbs. and stand 2 feet tall with a body length of 3 feet.

Living in rocky areas, deep coniferous, boreal forests and swampy areas, the lynx inhabits much of Canada, Alaska and parts of the US. The Canada Lynx’s diet consists of Snow Shoe Hares. This causes lynx populations decline when these hares are scare. Occasionally they will consume rodents, squirrels and birds to avoid starvation. Every 10 years or less, Snow Shoe Hare populations plunge. Canada Lynx have sharp retractable claws which permit it to climb, defend itself against predators and capture prey. Their feet have a thick layer of fur which insulates their feet and keeps them warm in cold climates.

As a carnivore and nocturnal hunter they are equipped with large eyes and superb hearing. Keen eyesight allows them to spot a mouse 250 feet away. Canada Lynx are not fast runners, so they rely on their stealth and intelligence to sneak up on prey. Laying and waiting silently for hours, they await the opportunity to pounce on their prey.

Male Canada Lynx are solitary animals, live alone except during the breeding season. Females remain with the baby kittens until they are able to survive on their own. Lynx mate in late winter or early spring. Within 2 months of breeding the female lynx gives birth to a litter of 1 – 4 kittens.

I recently met a female Canada Lynx at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre who had been kept as a household pet. When the owner could not find a vet who would declaw it, the person declawed it themselves. After this cruel practice the owner realized that it’s wild nature was becoming a problem. The Lynx eventually ended up at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. It will never be released back to nature, as it has been imprinted by humans. Lynx are wild cats and are not at all suitable as pets.

Lynx fur is sought after by trappers for their luxurious fur. I encourage you to advocate to stop this cruel and unnecessary practice. The average lifespan of lynx are 15 to 20 years.

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