While Canada lynx once roamed parts of New York State, their presence today is complex. Currently, there is no established resident breeding population within New York’s borders. The species is considered extirpated from the state, meaning it has vanished from its historical range. However, occasional transient individuals do still pass through, leading to infrequent sightings.
Past and Present Presence
Canada lynx were historically present in New York, with records indicating their occurrence in areas like the western Adirondacks and potentially the High Peaks region. It remains uncertain whether these constituted self-sustaining, resident populations or if they were primarily individuals dispersing from other regions. By the late 1800s, the Canada lynx was considered extirpated from New York.
Despite this extirpation, efforts were made to reestablish the species. Between 1989 and 1992, approximately 80 Canada lynx were released into the Adirondacks as part of a reintroduction program. These animals were sourced from northwestern Canada. Many of the released lynx dispersed widely, traveling into neighboring states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and even into Canadian provinces such as Quebec and Ontario. One lynx traveled nearly 500 miles from its release site.
This reintroduction effort did not result in the establishment of a viable breeding population in New York. There has been no confirmed evidence of successful reproduction among these released individuals. While a resident population is not established, occasional reports of individual lynx passing through New York continue to occur.
Distinguishing Lynx from Similar Wildlife
In New York State, the bobcat is a common wild cat that is often confused with the Canada lynx. While both belong to the Lynx genus, several key physical characteristics differentiate them. Canada lynx appear more substantial than bobcats due to their longer legs and larger paws. Lynx weigh between 8 and 20 kilograms, while bobcats are smaller, weighing 8 to 16 kilograms.
One distinguishing feature is their paws; Canada lynx have large, snowshoe-like, heavily furred paws, at least twice the size of a bobcat’s, aiding movement in deep snow. Additionally, lynx have disproportionately longer hind legs, giving them a somewhat stooped appearance. Both species have ear tufts, but those of the Canada lynx are significantly longer and more pronounced, often exceeding one inch.
The tail is another identifier. A Canada lynx has a short tail with an entirely black tip. In contrast, a bobcat’s short tail has a black tip on the upper side but is white underneath, often displaying black bars. Coat coloration also differs; Canada lynx have thicker, lighter yellowish-brown fur with fewer spots, providing camouflage in snowy environments. Bobcats have a more reddish-brown coat with more distinct black spots.
Conservation and Protection
The Canada lynx holds protected status across its range in the contiguous United States. In 2000, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the contiguous U.S. Distinct Population Segment of the Canada lynx as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Within New York, the Canada lynx is fully protected by law, classified as a “Threatened” species under state law. Although considered a small game animal, state regulations prohibit any harvest of lynx.
Conservation efforts for Canada lynx are tied to preserving their preferred habitat: moist boreal forests characterized by cold, snowy winters and abundant populations of snowshoe hares, their primary food source. Correctly identifying lynx is important for their continued protection, given the potential for confusion with bobcats.