Lynx is a genus further classified into four species, including both the bobcat and the three species called lynx.The four species include the Eurasian lynx, the Iberian lynx, the Canadian lynx, and the bobcat. Of these, the bobcats are the smallest, and the lynx are larger felines.Bobcats have stubby tails and clear dark stripes on the forelegs and tail, while lynx have longer legs and larger paws. Bobcats are distinguished by their smaller size, comparatively bare paws, and shorter fur on their heads. It is also the only species found throughout the majority of North America, consisting of the United States and Mexico.These wild cats are very secretive and are rarely observed since they are incredibly sneaky and normally do not want to be spotted.How can you tell what species you’re looking at when it comes to bobcat vs. lynx? Find out more about these animals by reading this article. You could also check out our other facts articles on Canada lynx facts and, are lobsters bugs?Are lynx and bobcat even related?According to the ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System), lynx are cats related to tigers, lions, domestic cats, jaguars, and other Felidae family members. Thus the lynx and bobcat are directly related under the same species. The tiny legs, stubby tail, and upright ears covered with sharp, black hair tufts identify these cats from their ancestors.Bobcats prefer residing in densely forested areas or other areas with a lot of overgrown vegetation. The abundance of greenery provides a safe hideaway for the bobcat when hunting. They primarily prey on small mammals and rodents but have been known to hunt larger animals such as deer. Bobcats, like domestic cats, bury their scat.The range of the Canada lynx covers the whole northern part of the country and extends all the way down to the Rocky Mountains. They primarily inhabit coniferous woods, where snowshoe hares and other small animal are their primary food source. Canada Lynx have unusually large, fuzzy feet, which let them roam comfortably and quietly in the winter.Is a bobcat larger than a lynx?Of the four species of lynx, the bobcat is the smallest.They can range to a maximum length of 49 in (125 cm) from head to tail and a height of roughly 2 ft (61 cm). They are also the lightest in weight. However, because the Canadian lynx is just slightly larger, it may be difficult to tell them apart at a glance, especially given the size variations.Despite being the smallest wild cat, bobcats are larger than domestic cats.They can be distinguished from cougars by their smaller size and relatively short fur. A Canadian lynx and a bobcat (Lynx rufus) are more difficult to differentiate, as the difference between a lynx and a lynx bobcat in terms of size and pattern is sometimes confusing.The Canada lynx has a beneficial distinguishing trait. They have long black ear tufts of fur, which none of the other wild cats have. They belong to the genus Lynx. Canada lynxes are medium-sized, which means that they are smaller than cougars but bigger than bobcats. The Canada lynx’s tail has a distinct black tip, which can help you determine what kind of cat you’re looking at, especially when the animal is fleeing.Which is more dangerous, lynx or bobcat?When asked which is more dangerous, between the bobcat vs. lynx, people often talk about themselves vs. the felines, where they assume themselves to be the prey. But let’s talk about lynx vs. bobcat.Both bobcats and lynx are rather aggressive, but due to their bigger size, lynxes are likely to be stronger than the bobcat and may win a fight between them.Humans have nothing to fear from bobcats and lynxes in any case. When they encounter people, they generally always try to flee and not fight unless they are physically threatened or otherwise provoked.Can a bobcat and lynx mate?The bobcat of the Lynx genus and the lynxes have been reported to produce hybrid offspring known as blynx or lynxcat.This hybrid has a bobcat-like face with markings and a brown coat or fur that may or may not be distinguishable. While many hybrids are sterile, the blynx has been observed to generate viable offspring on their own in some cases.Bobcats and lynxes can be crossed. The conclusion is determined by the lynx subspecies utilized; the European (Spanish) lynx has more spots than the Canadian lynx. Bobcats are typically reddish-brown with dark markings. However, both grey or bluish bobcats, as well as black bobcats have been observed.Did You Know?The Iberian lynx has a tawny coat with dark markings, long legs, a short tail, and hair tufts at the tips of its ears, which are common in lynx species.The Iberian lynx has a noticeable ‘beard’ around its face and is about half the size of the largest lynx species, the Eurasian lynx, and bigger than the Canadian lynx.In the previous 20 years, the wild Iberian lynx population has grown tenfold.The Eurasian lynx is a medium-sized wild cat that ranges from northern, central, and eastern Europe through Central Asia and Siberia and the Tibetan Plateau, and the Himalayas.Lynxes have keen claws that they employ for hunting, climbing trees, and defending themselves against predators.The snowshoe hare is a popular prey item for a variety of predators. The Canada lynx is its primary predator (Lynx canadensis).Is it a lynx or a bobcat? The answer is that the bobcat is, after all, a lynx, or more precisely, a species of Lynx genus. Technically, any cat in the Lynx genus is a lynx. However, all animals except the bobcat have ’lynx’ in their common name. The Eurasian lynx, Canadian lynx, Iberian lynx, and bobcat are the four lynx species, which proves that they are indeed all related.Even after being in the wildlife of North America and its mountain region, the bobcat does not like deep snow and prefers to wait out storms in sheltered areas. And this is one of their bigger differences. Most lynx are found in places with deep snow levels, and their lengthened limbs assist them in navigating the habitat. Many believe that a lynx can kill a lone wolf, but they would never attack a pack of wolves.Lynxes have a strong vision, which is another vital sense for hunting. They generally hunt small mammals, including snowshoe hares, mice, and squirrels, as well as birds.Bobcats do not attack humans, leave alone kill them. Bobcats may eat or attack house cats, so if a wild cat is sighted in your area, keep your pets close.Bobcat fur varies in brown, gray, and white colors, with black spots and stripes on the legs, and they are good hunters that are seen attacking and eating many domestic pets, including rabbits, cats, and small dogs. Despite its preference for rabbits and hares, the bobcat’s prey consists of insects, chickens, geese, other birds, small rodents, and deer.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for are lynx and bobcat the same? Must know differences between wild cats, then why not take a look at are foxes omnivores? Interesting facts about foxes diets for kids, or are garden snakes poisonous? Shredding the truth on yard snakes.
Lynx is a genus further classified into four species, including both the bobcat and the three species called lynx.
