Eurasian Lynx

Lynx lynx

The largest of the four lynx species, the Eurasian lynx has one of the widest distributions of any wild cat, ranging across Europe and Asia. While other lynx hunt mostly rabbits and hares, the Eurasian lynx is large enough to take down prey that is up to four times its size and specializes in deer. They are stalk-and-ambush predators with long, powerful legs that allow them to leap nearly 10 feet at a time.

  • The lynx is able to spot a hare from 2 ½ football fields’ length away and hear it from 200 feet away.
  • The lynx buries or hides any leftovers and will come back for it later.
  • Webbing between their toes and hairy footpads help keep them from sinking into the snow.

Fact File

  • Length: Up to 3.3 ft
  • Weight: Up to 84 lbs
  • Lifespan: Up to 24 yrs in captivity
  • Habitat: Forest and scrubland
  • Diet: Deer, hare, small mammals and birds

Tufted Ears:

Like its bobcat relative, the Eurasian lynx has long, black tufts of hair on the tips of its ears.

Range:

Europe and Asia