Lynx, lynx Canadensis, resemble gigantic housecats. They measure 31 to 41 inches (79 to 102 centimeters) in length and stand 18 to 23 inches (46 to 60 centimeters). They weigh anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds (6.8 to 18 kilograms) with males being noticeably larger than females. They have small tails, long legs and short bodies. It is debatable as to whether the Canada lynx is in fact a separate species from the Eurasian (also called Siberian or Iberian) lynx. As of right now though, they are considered a separate species because of their marked adaptive differences for capturing prey.
The Canada lynx is found throughout Canada of course as well as Alaska and the northern part of mainland United States. They live in forested areas and make their dens underneath rock ledges, thick bushes, tree stumps or even fallen trees. Lynx are very territorial creatures with males living by themselves and females staying with baby kittens. They will do all of their hunting when night comes.
Canada lynx will eat birds, small mammals and even caribou. The majority of their diet however, consists of the snowshoe hare. Canada lynx are so dependant on the snowshoe hare that their population fluctuates with that of the hare. They use their big eyes and superior hearing to locate their prey under the cover of night. They track their prey and then pounce on them from a hiding spot. Canada lynx have been known to sit still and wait for hours before they attempt to catch their prey. Predators that they themselves must watch out for are wolves, coyotes and cougars.
Mating season for the Canada lynx takes place from February to March. After a gestation period of 63 to 70 days, females will give birth to a litter of 1 to 8 kittens depending on the abundance of food. The kittens are nursed for about 3 to 5 months and will reach sexual maturity depending, again, on the amount of food available. The abundance of food also affects how often female Canada lynx mate. If food is numerous, then females may end up mating as early as 10 months after the last litter. If the young ones can survive long enough, they can reach up to 15 years in the wild.
Canada lynx are an endangered species. Deforestation, resulting in habitat loss, trapping of lynx as well as over-hunting of their primary food source all contribute to their low numbers. It becomes particularly difficult to try and repopulate Canada lynx during years when the snowshoe hare population is low. Although the outlook for Canada lynx looks more promising than that of other feline species, there is still much more work needed to be done in order to find a permanent solution. Hopefully, Canada lynx populations will start to see a significant rebound sooner rather than later. After all, such an interesting species of feline deserves to live and prosper far into the future.
Works Cited
“Fast Facts: Canada Lynx” 30 November 2010
http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/kids/animal-facts/canada_lynx.asp
“Canadian Lynx (Lynx Canadensis)” 30 November 2010
http://www.wildanimalsonline.com/mammals/canadianlynx.php
“Canada Lynx” 30 November 2010
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/cats/wild/canadian_lynx.htm
“Canada Lynx” 30 November 2010
http://talkaboutwildlife.ca/profile/?s=509
