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                                   Siberian Lynx

Description

The Eurasian lynx is the biggest of the lynxes, ranging in length from 81 to 129 centimetres (32 to 51 in) and standing about 70 centimetres (28 in) at the shoulder. Males usually weigh from 18 to 30 kilograms (40 to 66 lb) and females weigh 18 kilograms (40 lb) on average.[3] It has powerful legs, with large webbed and furred paws that act like snowshoes. It also possesses a short "bobbed" tail with an all-black tip, black tufts of hair on its ears, and a long grey-and-white ruff.

Habitat

Alpine tundra, rocky and barren regions above the tree lines

Diet & Hunting

Lynx prey on hares, rabbits, rodents, grouse, wild boar, chamois, foxes, roe deer, and reindeer. As with other cats, taking on larger prey presents a risk to the animal, and so is only common during winter when food is less abundant. They will also feed on carrion when it is available. Adult lynx require 1.1 to 2 kilograms (2.4 to 4.4 lb) of meat per day, and may take several days to fully consume some of their larger prey. [4]

The main method of hunting is stalking, sneaking and jumping on prey, although they are also ambush predators when conditions are suitable. In winter certain snow conditions make this harder and the animal may be forced to switch to larger prey. Eurasian lynx hunt using both vision and hearing, and often climb onto high rocks or fallen trees to scan the surrounding area.

Range

Asia, Northern Europe and Northern Asia

Fun Facts!

- A 30 pound lynx has bigger feet than a 200 pound mountain lion.  Their big feet act like snowshoes, allowing them to hunt effectively even in deep snow.

- Lynx are very vocal.  They can make an amazing variety of hissing, chattering and yowling sounds.

- Despite being solitary by nature, some lynx cats (particularly females) have been observed hunting cooperatively.

- The word Lynx is derived from the Greek word meaning 'to shine' and is a reference to the cat's bright eyes.