What is the Difference Between a Lynx and a Bobcat?

When it comes to telling different species apart, the most commonly confused are bobcats and Canada lynx. This is because these two feline species look very similar and often have crossover in their preferred habitats. To make things even more confusing, Canada lynx and bobcats belong to the same genus, Lynx. Yes, that’s right, bobcats are a type of lynx! So, what is the difference between a lynx and a bobcat? Let’s find out more.

Physical Characteristics Between a Lynx and a Bobcat

Bobcats and lynx may be genetically similar and have some common attributes, but they also have many differences.

In terms of size, bobcats are essentially oversized house cats. They are the smallest wild feline species in the US and Canada. Adults will reach 65-106cm from nose to tail (26-41in), whereas lynx can grow up to 130cm (51in). Their difference is also in weight, with the bobcat weighing up to 17kg (37lbs) and lynx as heavy as 30kg (66lbs).

Lynx have larger paws as they spend most of their time in snowy regions. Their paws are wide and rounded, acting like snow shoes to stop them sinking in thick snow flurries. In comparison, bobcat paws are roughly half the size of a lynx.

Bobcats have a small body, flattened back, with a bobbed tail. The tail itself has a black tip, while the underside is white. Their coat is similar to a tabby cat. The fur is a tawny brown with dark brown or black spots over the legs, face and most of the body and tail. Their ears are small and pointed with small tufts of hair at the tips and a large white spot on each ear.

Lynx have a different coat, as they tend to live in colder environments. The coat of a lynx is a soft grey with faint brown mottling. They also have brown or cream patches of fur around their feet, ears and tail.

Lynx paws are round and wide and ideal  for snowy terrain.
Lynx paws are round and wide and ideal for snowy terrain.

Lynx have longer ear tufts than bobcats but their tail is shorter. The tail itself has a completely black tip with no white underside fur.  In addition, lynx also have thick sideburns along each cheek, making their head appear larger.

While the bobcat has a straight back, lynx have a slight arch over their hindquarters and their legs are longer and stockier, which helps during winter when there is deep snow.

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Difference in Habitat Between a Lynx and a Bobcat

While both lynx and bobcats share some overlap in mountainous regions, most populations live in different areas.

Bobcats prefer temperate woodland, lower altitudes in mountainous areas and are also found in deserts and swampland.

Lynx are more particular and will stay around mountains and alpine forests. They may also be spotted on steppes – large, flat grassland areas between forests or mountain ranges.

Both bobcats and lynx can be found in Canada, but lynx also live in Europe and Asia. However, the significant difference between these two animals is that the lynx is better suited to colder climates than the bobcat. This is because lynx fur is thicker and their paws are larger so they are well adapted to snowy landscapes. Bobcats live in milder climates, which means their fur is not as thick and they have little fur covering their paws.

Difference in Diet Between a Lynx and a Bobcat

The differences in diet are not as significant as other aspects of their lives. Both bobcats and lynx are predatory species and they prefer to hunt for rodents and rabbits.

Bobcats will hunt predominantly rabbits, but they will also catch smaller rodents and birds if they get the chance. It is also fairly common to see bobcats close to areas that see a lot of roadkill. A deer carcass will provide meet for more than one bobcat.

Lynx have a preference for snowshoe hares when it comes to hunting and will live in areas where the populations of hares is high. In fact, lynx rely so heavily on snowshoe hares as a food source that when snowshoe hare populations fall, so does the population of lynx.

Bobcats prefer to live in woodland, lower altitudes in mountainous areas, deserts or swampland.
Bobcats prefer to live in woodland, lower altitudes in mountainous areas, deserts or swampland.

Social & Territory

The social lives of bobcats and lynx is where the biggest similarities lie. Both species are solitary and territorial. Males and females only come together to breed and a male bobcat’s territory will overlap with at least 2 females.

A male bobcat’s territorial range averages 22 square miles throughout the year. in comparison, females have a summer range of roughly 7 square miles which is when they would be raising a litter of kittens. Their home range increases to 9 square miles once she weans off her kittens and they become independent. Female home ranges do not overlap with other females.

Lynx territories are dependent on the population of snowshoe hares. When populations are high, female territories will average 10 square miles, only marginally larger than female bobcats. Male territories are typically 20-22 square miles.

When the snowshoe hare populations fall, a lynx territory can increase to cover more than 75 square miles. It is inevitable in this case that there will be some territorial overlap. However, the lynx population also falls with the snowshoe hares, so there will be fewer lynx in any given area.

Threats and Conservation

When it comes to success, bobcats are the clear winner. They are the most common native cat species in the US and Mexico, thanks to their ability to adapt to changing conditions.

Lynx are not so lucky. As they rely exclusively on snowshoe hares for food, they are in a constant state of change. In the US state of Montana, lynx are listed as a species of concern, with efforts in place to try and stabilise the population of snowshoe hares, which in turns helps to protect the lynx populations.

In some regions where hunting is legal, lynx are at risk as their thick coat is considered a prize. Habitat loss is also a major concern for lynx populations. They have a preference for alpine forests, but human expansion and agriculture reduces their available hunting range every year.

In order to protect lynx populations in the US and Canada, agriculture and constructions must be limited and carefully managed.

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