We're still in Old Man Winter's icy grip for at least another month, so it's the perfect time to feature another critter that thrives in cold, snowy weather. This month we'll take a look at the elusive Canada lynx.
Scientific name: Lynx canadensis
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| Canada lynx slinking among the vine maples |
Scientific name: Lynx canadensis
Kingdom: Animalia (animals)
Class: Mammalia (mammals)
Order: Carnivora (carnivores)
Range: Circumpolar- Canada, northern US
Habitat: Forest and tundra
Lifespan: Up to 14.5 years
Diet: Snowshoe hares, rodents, birds, fish, carrion
Predators: None known though bears and wolves may prey on kittens
Conservation Status: Listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act and endangered by the state of Michigan
Other Information: The lynx is known for its intricate relationship with the snowshoe hare. The lynx population fluctuates in response to that of the snowshoe hare, with the lynx lagging by about a year in a nine year cycle of boom and crash. The lynx may as well be known as a snowshoe bobcat, as they are similar in appearance. The lynx has large feet that work as snowshoes, allowing it to hunt in the deepest snow. Another difference between the cats is the longer tufts of ear hair on the lynx. Litters are commonly two or three kittens, born April to June. They stay with the mother until the following mating season, almost a year later. Lynxes are solitary creatures, and are mainly nocturnal hunters. While smaller animals are their main prey, they will take a sick or injured deer if the opportunity presents itself.
This week's information comes from the University of Michigan's Animal Diversity Web.
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| The giant feet are visible in this shot (USFWS) |
Other Information: The lynx is known for its intricate relationship with the snowshoe hare. The lynx population fluctuates in response to that of the snowshoe hare, with the lynx lagging by about a year in a nine year cycle of boom and crash. The lynx may as well be known as a snowshoe bobcat, as they are similar in appearance. The lynx has large feet that work as snowshoes, allowing it to hunt in the deepest snow. Another difference between the cats is the longer tufts of ear hair on the lynx. Litters are commonly two or three kittens, born April to June. They stay with the mother until the following mating season, almost a year later. Lynxes are solitary creatures, and are mainly nocturnal hunters. While smaller animals are their main prey, they will take a sick or injured deer if the opportunity presents itself.
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| This shot offers a better view of the ear hair (USFS) |
This week's information comes from the University of Michigan's Animal Diversity Web.
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