Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is a medium-sized cat with thick fur (yellow to gray-brown, patterned with pale spots or lines), long legs, dark tufts of fur on the tips of their ears, a collar of longer hair around the neck, and a short tail. It is the largest species of lynx. They grow thick, paler winter coats and have large feet that, when thick with their winter coat of fur, enable them to walk easily on the snow.

Eurasian lynx are shy cats. They can run quickly only for short distances and rely on their hearing and sight to locate their prey. They capture prey by a quick ambush, since they do not have the endurance for long pursuits.

Classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum Chordata
• Class Mammalia
• Order Carnivora
• Family Felidae
• Genus Lynx
• Species Lynx lynx (Source: Briercheck)

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Habitat: Forests and forested mountains.

Range: Europe and Siberia. Formerly British Isles.

Diet: Carnivorous. Prey include birds and small mammals.

Status: No special status. Eurasian lynx numbers have been severely reduced due to destuction of forest habitat, hunting, and trapping for their fur.