Taxonomists have a way of grouping animals that may seem puzzling to the average person. This is especially true when it comes to similar-looking animals like bobcats and lynxes. While they share many physical characteristics, they are classified as different species. So, what sets them apart?
The Lynx Genus: Home to Bobcats and Lynxes
Believe it or not, there is a method to this taxonomic madness. Both bobcats and lynxes belong to the same genus called Lynx. However, there are four distinct species within this genus: the Eurasian lynx, the Spanish lynx, the Canadian lynx, and the bobcat.
The Eurasian lynx is the most widespread, found in Western Europe and northern Asia. The Spanish lynx, on the other hand, is limited to Spain and Portugal and is the rarest of the four species. The Canadian lynx primarily resides in Canada and a few northern U.S. states. Finally, the bobcat reigns in North America, thriving in diverse habitats across the continent.
Bobcats and Lynxes: Similar Yet Different
While it can be challenging to generalize the differences between bobcats and lynxes, there are some notable distinctions. To start, bobcats resemble oversized house cats, while lynxes have a more otherworldly appearance. With long tufts of fur on their ears and a shaggy mane around their cheeks, lynxes are truly unique. These long black ear tufts act as remarkable hearing aids, allowing lynxes to detect the softest footsteps of their prey.
Lynxes also have larger feet and longer legs than bobcats, which help them navigate deep snow. These big, furry paws act as natural snowshoes, enabling the lynx to chase down its primary food source: snowshoe hares. In fact, the Canadian lynx’s diet is comprised of 60 to 90 percent hares. The Spanish lynx and Eurasian lynx are also adept at hunting rabbits and hares, with the latter occasionally feasting on larger animals like reindeer.
Bobcats, on the other hand, have a more diverse diet, including small prey like birds and mice. They can even bring down larger animals like deer with a pounce that spans about 10 feet. Bobcats’ coats are shorter with more spots, ranging from light gray to brown, while lynxes, except for the Spanish lynx, have long, thick, mostly gray fur without much pattern.
One unmistakable feature of both bobcats and lynxes is their “bobbed” tail. While both have short, rounded tails, the bobcat’s tail is banded with black stripes and has a black tip at the top and a white tip at the bottom. In contrast, the lynx’s tail lacks banding and is entirely black at the tip.
In terms of behavior, bobcats seem to have a bit more attitude. They’re known as the “spitfires of the Animal Kingdom” due to their fierce hunting style and bold demeanor. Lynxes, with the exception of the larger Spanish lynx, tend to exhibit a more reserved nature.
So, the next time you spot a bobcat or a lynx, you can appreciate the subtle differences between these wild felines. By understanding their shared traits and unique characteristics, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for their place in the animal kingdom.
For more information on different cat species, check out our comprehensive guide on feline taxonomy.
