While Kentucky is home to wild felines, the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) is not found there. The wild cat commonly observed across the Commonwealth is the bobcat (Lynx rufus).
Current Status of Lynx in Kentucky
Canada lynx are not native to Kentucky and do not have established populations within the state’s borders. Their historical range primarily spans across Canada, Alaska, and the northern regions of the contiguous United States.
These animals are typically found in dense boreal forests, and their distribution strongly correlates with that of their main prey, the snowshoe hare. Kentucky’s climate and habitat types generally fall outside the preferred range for Canada lynx.
The bobcat population in Kentucky has seen a significant rebound from historical declines caused by habitat destruction and unregulated hunting in past centuries. This adaptable furbearer thrives in a variety of habitats found throughout the state, from remote woodlands to more varied landscapes.
Identifying Wild Cats in Kentucky
Many sightings reported as lynx in Kentucky are actually bobcats, given their prevalence and similar appearance as wild cats. Distinguishing between a Canada lynx and a bobcat involves observing several key physical characteristics.
One notable difference lies in their tails; a Canada lynx has a short tail with a completely black tip, appearing as though it was dipped in black ink. In contrast, a bobcat’s tail is also short, but it typically has black on the top of the tip and white on the underside, sometimes with black bars.
Both species possess ear tufts, but those of the Canada lynx are notably longer and more pronounced, often exceeding one inch in length.
Canada lynx also have disproportionately longer hind legs, contributing to a somewhat “stooped” appearance. Their paws are notably large and snowshoe-like, with fur covering the soles, which aids in traversing deep snow.
Bobcats, while agile, have smaller paws and shorter legs in comparison.
Regarding their coats, Canada lynx generally have thick, grayish fur with less distinct spotting, blending well into snowy environments.
Bobcats exhibit a range of coat colors from tan to reddish-brown or gray, often interspersed with more distinct black spots and streaks.
Adult male bobcats in Kentucky typically weigh around 22 pounds, with females averaging about 14 pounds, and they measure between 32 to 48 inches in length. They also have distinctive white spots on the back of their black-tufted ears.
Reporting Wild Cat Sightings
Reporting wild cat sightings can contribute to wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts. If you observe a wild cat in Kentucky and wish to report it, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) is the appropriate agency to contact.
The KDFWR utilizes citizen observations to gather data on wildlife populations and trends. When reporting a sighting, providing specific details can be helpful for wildlife biologists, such as:
The exact location
The time of day
A detailed description of the animal
Any photographs or videos taken
This information assists the department in understanding the distribution and behavior of Kentucky’s wild cat populations, regardless of the species. The KDFWR website, fw.ky.gov, typically provides contact information and sometimes dedicated portals for submitting wildlife observations.