Quck answer
Bobcats and lynx are both wild cats, but there are some key differences between them. Here’s a quick summary:
| | Bobcat | Lynx |
|—|—|—|
| Size | Smaller and more compact | Larger and longer-legged |
| Ears | Tipped with black tufts | Tipped with long tufts of black hair |
| Habitat | Found throughout North America | Found in northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America |
| Diet | Eats small mammals and birds | Eats larger mammals like deer and rabbits |
| Conservation status | Least concern | Varies by species, but some are threatened or endangered |
Overall, while bobcats and lynx may look similar at first glance, their size, ears, habitat, diet, and conservation status all differ.
Wild Animals
Although they look very similar, there are subtle differences between a bobcat and a lynx. Taxonomists classify them as separate species, but they both belong to the same genus – the Lynx genus. There are four species in this group, including the Eurasian lynx, the Spanish lynx, the Canadian lynx, and the bobcat, which is the most common cat native to North America. The Eurasian lynx is found throughout western Europe and northern Asia, while the Spanish lynx is only found in Spain and Portugal. The Canadian lynx lives in Canada and a few northern U.S. states, and the bobcat is dominant in North America. Although the three species with the family name outnumber the bobcat in terms of global spread, the bobcat tolerates a more varied habitat. In contrast, lynxes prefer forested areas where their main food source, the snowshoe hare, lives. The only area where the Canadian lynx and bobcat coexist is along the U.S.-Canada border.
Lynxes have larger feet and longer legs than bobcats to help them navigate the snow in their range.
Keith Williams/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Bobcats and Lynxes: The Wildcat Family
It can be difficult to make generalizations about differences among lynxes and bobcats as even the three species of lynx vary in size and appearance. However, the bobcat looks more like an overgrown house cat than a lynx. The lynx has extra-long tufts of fur on its ears and a shaggy mane of fur around its cheeks. The long black ear tufts act as excellent hearing aids, enabling the agile cat to pick up the soft footsteps of its prey.
Lynxes have longer legs and larger feet than bobcats which help them move in deep snow. Their furry paws act like snowshoes which helps them hunt for food during winter. They primarily feed on snowshoe hares, which constitutes 60 to 90 percent of their diet. The Spanish lynx, which also hunts rabbits and hares, has only around 300 individuals due to a decline in the rabbit population. The Eurasian lynx is less selective and can eat animals three to four times their size, such as reindeer. Bobcats, on the other hand, have a more varied diet and can prey on small animals like birds and mice. They can also hunt larger animals like deer. Their coats have more spots than lynxes and are mainly brown or light gray. The bobcat’s tail is shorter with black stripes, and the tip is black at the top and white at the bottom, whereas the lynx’s tail is completely black at the tip. Bobcats are known for their fierce hunting style and bold behavior, earning them the nickname “spitfires of the Animal Kingdom.” Unfortunately, both lynxes and bobcats are hunted for their soft coats, and the Canadian lynx is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Lynx vs Bobcat FAQ
What is the difference between a lynx and a bobcat? Both lynx and bobcats are part of the Lynx genus. Bobcats are the smallest cats in the species and have stubby tails, dark stripes on their forelegs and tail. Lynx are larger with longer legs, bigger paws and a tuft of dark hair on the tips of their ears. Lynx can be found in Europe, Russia, Asia, and North America, while bobcats only live in North America.
Which is bigger: a bobcat or a lynx? Canadian lynxes tend to be larger than bobcats. Bobcats are generally 1.5 to 2 feet tall and weigh between 13 and 33 pounds. Lynx, on the other hand, are on average 2 feet tall and weigh between 18 to 60 pounds.
How big is a lynx compared to a house cat? Lynx are much larger than house cats. Eurasian lynxes are the largest subspecies, growing up to 130 cm (51 inches) long and 71 cm (28 inches) tall, and weighing up to 80 pounds (36 kg).
Which is more dangerous: a lynx or a bobcat? Bobcats are more aggressive, but they pose little risk to humans unless they’re sick or have rabies.
How big is a full-grown bobcat? Bobcats can be as tall as 60 cm measured up to the shoulders. Adult male bobcats can weigh 14 to 40 pounds, and females weigh between 8.8 to 33.7 pounds, with an average weight of 15 pounds.
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