Both the Lynx and the Bobcat belong to the Lynx genus, which includes four species of medium-sized wild cats: the Bobcat (Lynx rufus), the Canadian Lynx (Lynx canadensis), the Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx), and the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus). While they share ancestry and physical characteristics, the general term “Lynx” refers to species that are typically larger than the Bobcat. This size difference, along with variations in physical features and habitat preferences, offers clear distinctions between these wildcats.
The Direct Answer: Size Comparison
The Bobcat is the smallest of the four species within the Lynx genus. Adult Bobcats typically stand 45 to 58 centimeters (18 to 23 inches) tall at the shoulder, with a body length ranging from 65 to 105 centimeters (26 to 41 inches). Their weight usually falls between 4 and 15 kilograms (9 to 33 pounds).
The Canadian Lynx is the species most commonly compared to the Bobcat in North America. It usually weighs between 8 and 17.3 kilograms (18 to 38 pounds) and reaches a shoulder height of approximately 61 centimeters (24 inches). Although the weight range overlaps with the Bobcat’s upper range, the Lynx often appears taller and more slender due to its longer legs.
The largest of the group is the Eurasian Lynx. This species is the most widespread and can grow significantly larger, with males weighing between 18 and 30 kilograms (40 to 66 pounds). Some subspecies, like the Siberian Lynx, can exceed 38 kilograms (84 pounds), making them substantially bulkier than any Bobcat.
The Eurasian Lynx can reach a height of up to 71 centimeters (28 inches) at the shoulder, presenting a much more substantial frame than the Bobcat. While a large Bobcat might occasionally rival a smaller Canadian Lynx in weight, the other Lynx species are clearly larger, and the genus overall has a greater average bulk and height.
Distinctive Physical Features
Beyond overall size, several specific morphological traits distinguish the Bobcat from the other Lynx species, particularly the Canadian Lynx. The primary difference is the size and structure of their paws. The Canadian Lynx has significantly larger, disproportionately sized paws that function like natural snowshoes, helping the animal move easily over deep snow.
The Bobcat’s paws are much smaller and more proportional to its body size, reflecting its preference for areas with less consistent deep snow. Another key identifying feature is the tail: all Lynx species have a short, “bobbed” tail, but the coloring differs. The Canadian Lynx has a tail with an entirely black tip.
In contrast, the Bobcat’s tail is banded with black and features a white underside near the tip. Ear tufts are present on both cats, a defining trait of the genus, but those on the Lynx are longer and more pronounced. The Bobcat’s coat is also more heavily patterned, featuring distinct spots and stripes, while the Lynx’s coat is usually a more uniform gray or tawny color.
Geographic Distribution and Habitat
The Bobcat and the Canadian Lynx have a geographic overlap only in limited areas, primarily along the southern edge of the Canadian boreal forest and in some northern U.S. states. The Bobcat is the most widely distributed wild cat in North America, ranging from southern Canada through the contiguous United States and into Mexico. This wide distribution reflects the Bobcat’s adaptability to varied environments, including swamps, deserts, scrublands, and mixed forests.
The Canadian Lynx has a much more restricted range, primarily inhabiting the dense, snow-laden boreal forests of Canada and Alaska. The Lynx’s physical adaptations, such as its long legs and large, fur-padded paws, correlate directly with its specialized habitat in areas of deep, persistent snow. The other Lynx species, like the Eurasian Lynx, are found across Europe and Asia, further separating their range from the North American Bobcat. The Bobcat’s ability to thrive in warmer, less snow-dependent climates minimizes competition with the cold-adapted Lynx.