Canada+Lynx


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Canada Lynx ** By Meghan C



Though they share a similar appearence with the bobcat, some of the Canada lynx's characteristics differ. A typical Canadian lynx can weigh from about 18-24 pounds. Their length ranges from about 28-37 inches. The Canada lynx's fur is lighter and less spotted compared to the bobcat's. The Canada lynx also has longer legs and larger paws. Their heavily furred paws act as snowshoes, allowing the lynx to move about easier through the snow.

The Canada lynx is found in the western United States around the Rocky Mountains and south to Colorado. The Canada lynx is mainly found in these areas because of their main food source, the snowshoe hare.

The lynx's habitat is in boreal forests and densly wooded areas. This is also the habitat of their primary prey, the snowshoe hare. Canada lynx's main prey is, again, the snowshoe hare. Other prey include: small rodents, birds, squirrels, and even juvenile deer and caribou.

Lynx mate from late February to early April. About 60-65 days after mating, the female Canada lynx gives birth to 1-4 kittens. The kittens are born in a safe, hidden den of the mother's choosing. Kittens are blind until they are about 8-10 days old. The mother travels with her young until mid-winter.

The Canada lynx is a threatened species. The main reason why the lynx is threatened is excessive hunting. Over-trapping in the 1980s caused a large drop in their population. In March 2000, the Canada lynx was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. A species is listed as threatened when it is likely to become endangered in the near future. The other main reason why the Canada Lynx is threatened is due to loss of habitat. Federal agencies are working to conserve the lynx's habitat. Though the lynx is listed, the lynx in Alaska are not effected by the threatened species listings.