The Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) is present in New Hampshire, though it remains one of the state’s most elusive mammals. New Hampshire sits at the southern edge of the species’ continuous North American range. Historically, sightings involved transient individuals dispersing from Maine. However, recent documentation of young kittens suggests a small, resident breeding population may be establishing itself in the state’s far northern reaches.
Distinguishing Canada Lynx from Bobcat
Confusion often arises between the Canada Lynx and the more common Bobcat (Lynx rufus), as both belong to the Lynx genus and share features like a short, bobbed tail and tufted ears. The most identifiable difference lies in the size and structure of their paws, an adaptation to the snowy environment. Canada Lynx have disproportionately large, heavily furred paws that function like natural snowshoes, allowing efficient travel over deep snowpacks. These paws leave tracks typically measuring more than three inches long, significantly larger than those left by a Bobcat.
The lynx also has noticeably longer hind legs than its front legs, giving it a sloped appearance. The tail reveals a distinct difference in coloration: the Canada Lynx has a tail completely tipped in black, while a Bobcat’s tail features black bars and a white underside tip. The lynx’s coat is generally a uniform, grayish-brown color with less distinct markings. This contrasts with the Bobcat’s reddish-brown coat, which often displays more prominent spots and streaks. The black ear tufts on a lynx are longer and more prominent, giving the animal a pronounced facial silhouette.
Confirmed Sightings and Current Range in New Hampshire
The Canada Lynx population in New Hampshire is highly localized, concentrated primarily within Coos County in the northernmost part of the state. These individuals are part of a larger meta-population extending into neighboring Maine and Canada, utilizing the contiguous boreal forest habitat. The state’s boreal forest, characterized by spruce and fir trees, provides the dense cover and abundant prey necessary for lynx survival.
The lynx’s distribution is intrinsically linked to the availability of its primary food source, the snowshoe hare, which makes up 75% or more of its diet. Lynx are most likely found in areas where early-successional forests provide the thick undergrowth needed to support high densities of hares. While the White Mountain National Forest contains suitable spruce-fir forests, the most consistent sightings have been reported in far northern towns like Pittsburg, especially near the Canadian border. The recent discovery of lynx kittens confirms the habitat is capable of supporting reproduction, marking a significant change from decades when the species was thought to only pass through the state.
Conservation Status and Legal Protection
The Canada Lynx requires conservation efforts at both the state and federal levels. Federally, the species has been listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 2000. This designation recognizes the species’ vulnerability and the need for protective measures. In New Hampshire, the state has listed the Canada Lynx as Endangered, reflecting its extremely low population numbers within state borders.
This dual protection mandates that federal and state agencies conserve the species and its habitat. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG) actively monitors the population through surveys and track confirmations. The NHFG also guides landowners and loggers on managing forest resources to promote the dense, young forest habitat structure that supports the lynx’s critical prey base, the snowshoe hare.