How to Identify Lynx Tracks

The lynx is a North American wildcat related to the bobcat. These species can be distinguished visually by noting a few features. The lynx appears larger because it has longer fur and stands taller, but it weighs the same as a bobcat. Lynx's have ruffs, or tufts of hair, on their face giving the appearance of a beard. You can identify them by the black markings on the tail tip and ears.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Locate a set of tracks. Look in forests and especially at their edges for lynx tracks. While hunting, the lynx stays in the cover of the forest; but has easy access to its primary source of food, the snowshoe hare.
2. Identify the tracks as cat family, or feline, tracks as opposed to dog family, or canine, tracks. Canine tracks are longer than they are wide, while feline tracks appear round or wider than they are long. Canine tracks will usually show evidence of claws because they cannot retract theirs as cats can.
3. Examine the tracks to find out which species of cat made them. Thankfully, lynxes have large feet making their tracks recognizable. The feet are large to prevent the cat from sinking into the snow. Bobcats, with their smaller feet, will sink into deep snow. Due to the excess fur on the feet, toes do not often appear in lynx tracks.
4. Report any lynx tracks you identify to your state wildlife agency. They may be keeping population records for this uncommon cat.

Tips & Warnings

• Hunters and trappers must be careful to distinguish the protected lynx from game animals.