The bobcat and the lynx are often confused, but they are not the same animal, though the relationship is a close one. The bobcat is a distinct species from the Canadian Lynx, but it is a fully recognized member of the same biological genus. They share a common lineage and many superficial physical features, including the signature short tail and the tufts of hair on their ears. To understand the differences between these two wild cats, we must examine their shared genus, unique physical traits, and the environments they inhabit.
Understanding the Genus Lynx
The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is one of the four recognized species that make up the genus Lynx. The genus also includes the Canadian Lynx (Lynx canadensis), the Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx), and the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus). All four species share a common ancestor and possess the generalized features that define the group, such as the short tail, tufted ears, and a ruff of fur around the face. The bobcat is often considered the smallest of the four species.
The term “lynx” in popular use generally refers to the Canadian or Eurasian species, which contributes to the perception that the bobcat is an entirely separate type of cat. However, the bobcat is formally classified as a lynx, with its scientific name, Lynx rufus, placing it directly within the genus. This shared ancestry explains why the bobcat and the Canadian Lynx, in particular, appear so similar at first glance, especially where their ranges overlap in North America. They are distinct species that evolved to occupy different ecological niches, a separation driven by geography and specialization.
Key Physical Distinctions
While both animals share a general body shape, specific physical attributes allow for clear distinction. The Canadian Lynx typically appears taller and more substantial due to its longer legs and larger paws. The bobcat is generally more compact and muscular, weighing between eight and 33 pounds. The Canadian Lynx tends to be slightly heavier, ranging from 10 to 38 pounds.
A primary difference lies in their paws, which reflect their environments. The Canadian Lynx possesses disproportionately large, heavily furred paws that function like natural snowshoes, distributing its weight over deep snow. The bobcat has smaller, more proportional paws with less fur on the soles, suited for varied terrain and shallower snow. The ear tufts of the Canadian Lynx are also significantly longer and more pronounced, often exceeding one inch, compared to the bobcat’s shorter tufts.
The tail and coat patterns also provide reliable identification markers. The bobcat’s short tail is banded with black stripes and features a black tip on the upper side, often with a white underside. In contrast, the Canadian Lynx’s tail ends in a tip that is entirely black all the way around. The bobcat’s coat is typically reddish-brown with distinct spots or streaks. The Canadian Lynx has a thicker, more uniform coat that is usually a silvery-gray or yellowish-brown with minimal spotting.
Range and Ecological Separation
The habitats of the two North American species are separated by climate and specialization. The bobcat is an adaptable species found across a vast range, stretching from southern Canada through the contiguous United States and down into Mexico. This wide distribution allows the bobcat to thrive in diverse environments, including forests, swamps, deserts, and suburban edges. It is a generalist hunter with a varied diet of rodents, rabbits, birds, and deer.
The Canadian Lynx is far more restricted, primarily inhabiting the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska, extending only into the northernmost regions of the contiguous United States where deep snow persists. This cat is a specialist uniquely suited to cold climates, relying heavily on its large paws and long legs to navigate deep snow. The survival of the Canadian Lynx is intimately tied to the population cycles of a single primary prey species, the snowshoe hare, which can make up a substantial majority of its diet. The other two species, the Eurasian and Iberian Lynxes, are found exclusively outside North America.