Lynx

The Canada Lynx is a medium sized cat ranging over most of Canada and a few Northern US states. It is distinguished from the bobcat by the consistent and large black tip on its short tail, long black ear tufts and very large feet. The coat is generally silvery brown with blackish markings with a thick furry ruff resembling a beard. The lynx is slightly larger than the bobcat, with an average weight of 10-12 kg (20-25 lbs) and an average length of 90 cm (36 in).

Lynx tend to be solitary, have large territories and hunt primarily smaller rodents and birds, but can take larger animals such as deer. In many areas, Lynx rely heavily upon Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) populations, and Lynx populations tend to follow the ten year up and down cycle of the Hare. It has been suggested that Lynx have a much higher tolerance of humans and are therefore more likely seen than Bobcats who tend to flee at the first sign of human activity.

Once home to the largest population in the Midwest, the Lynx was listed in 2000 as a Federally Threatened Species in Minnesota. Biologists estimate that 200 to 400 Lynx may currently reside in Minnesota.