The presence of wild cat species in Illinois often sparks public interest, leading to questions about which felines truly inhabit the state. Understanding the specific species in this region requires examining their historical presence, current status, and ecological needs.
Current Status of Lynx in Illinois
The North American lynx (Lynx canadensis) is not found in Illinois as a resident species. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) does not list the lynx as a native or established wild cat within the state’s borders. Any reported sightings are typically attributed to transient individuals or misidentifications of other animals.
Understanding Lynx Habitat and Range
The absence of a stable North American lynx population in Illinois relates directly to the species’ specific habitat requirements. The North American lynx primarily inhabits dense boreal forests, characterized by coniferous trees like spruce, fir, and pine. These forests are prevalent across Canada and Alaska, extending into some northern parts of the contiguous United States. A defining feature of their preferred environment is consistent deep snow, which their specialized large, furred paws are adapted to navigate.
The lynx’s diet relies heavily on snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), which also thrive in these snowy, boreal environments. Illinois’ geography, with its mix of prairies, deciduous forests, and extensive agricultural lands, does not provide the cold climate, consistent deep snow, or the dense snowshoe hare populations necessary to support a viable North American lynx presence or stable food source.
Illinois’ Native Wild Cat
The bobcat (Lynx rufus) stands as the only wild cat species native to and commonly found in Illinois. Bobcats are often mistaken for lynx due to their similar appearance and general wild cat characteristics. They were once nearly extirpated from Illinois by the mid-1900s but have since made a significant comeback. The bobcat population in Illinois has rebounded to an estimated 5,000 individuals, found in 99 of the state’s 102 counties. They were protected as a threatened species from 1977 to 1999, and a regulated hunting and trapping season was re-established in 2016 due to their increasing numbers. Bobcats are highly adaptable and can inhabit a variety of environments, including forests with dense undergrowth, wooded bluffs, and even areas near agricultural fields.
Key Differences: Lynx vs. Bobcat
Distinguishing between the North American lynx and the bobcat involves observing several distinct physical characteristics. Canada lynx possess notably longer black tufts of fur on their ears, often exceeding one inch in length, compared to the bobcat’s shorter ear tufts. Lynx also have disproportionately large, heavily furred paws that act like snowshoes, providing better traction and weight distribution in deep snow, whereas bobcats have smaller, less furred paws. Regarding their tails, both species have short, “bobbed” tails, but a Canada lynx’s tail is entirely black at the tip, while a bobcat’s tail is black on top and white underneath.
Canada lynx appear larger due to their longer legs, with their hind legs being longer than their front, giving them a sloped appearance. A bobcat’s coat features more distinct spots and a reddish-brown coloration, while the lynx has a more uniform, grayish-brown coat with fewer markings.