Lynx

Lynx lynx

Lynx. Photo: Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences

Found across most of non-arctic Canada, the lynx is smaller than a cougar and is easily distinguished by the black pencil-like projection from the tips of its ears. Lynx are not very social and will join up with others only during the mating season. They are apt climbers but are clumsy in open areas. The diet of this predator consists primarily of hares, and hare population fluctuations dictate the success of the lynx population. Lynx also prey upon birds such as ptarmigan, and some other small mammals.

Distribution of Lynx in Canada