Lynxes

Lynxes are medium-sized wild cats. They have thick fur, short tails, and tufts of black hair on the tips of their ears. Lynxes live in cold forests in North America, Europe, and Asia. Their favorite habitat is deep woods with lots of snow.

Built for Snow

Lynxes have huge paws that act like snowshoes. This helps them walk on top of deep snow without sinking. Their thick fur keeps them warm during freezing winters. Lynxes can hear very well, and the tufts on their ears may help them pick up sounds. Their sharp eyes help them spot prey from far away.

Hunting Cats

Lynxes are quiet, patient hunters. They sneak up on their prey and then pounce. Their favorite food is the snowshoe hare. When there are lots of hares, there are lots of lynxes. Lynxes also hunt birds, squirrels, and sometimes deer. They usually hunt alone at night.

Fun Facts

• There are four kinds of lynxes in the world.
• A lynx's paws can be as wide as a person's hand.
• Lynxes can jump more than 6 feet in a single leap.

Did You Know?

The Canada lynx depends so much on snowshoe hares that its population goes up and down with the number of hares every ten years or so.