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Canada Lynx

Lynx canadensis

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Lynx canadensis
Class: Mammal
Weight: 15 to 30 pounds
Life span: 10 to 20 years
Conservation status: Threatened
Number of offspring: 2 to 3 kittens at a time

About

I LIVE IN NORTH AMERICA

Canada lynx are native to taiga ecosystems throughout Canada and Alaska. They can also be found in areas of the continental United States with hardwood and subalpine forests such as New England and parts of the Rocky Mountain range.


I AM A CARNVIORE

Over 75 percent of the Canada lynx’s diet consists of snowshoe hare. Their diet becomes more varied in the summer season when snowshoe hare populations are lower.


CANADA LYNX ARE SOLITARY

Canada lynx are very solitary animals and typically will hunt and travel alone. Social contact is almost completely limited to mating season.


AWESOME ADAPTATIONS

From their thick winter coats to their long legs and snowshoe-like paws that help them travel through the snow quickly and easily, Canada lynx are well-adapted for life in cold climates.


HELPING THE CANADA LYNX IN THE WILD

The Canada lynx at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo are enrolled in the Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSP is a program implemented by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to help ensure a genetically viable population exists.


I AM IMPORTANT TO MY ECOSYSTEM

Because the Canada lynx almost exclusively hunts snowshoe hares, they play a very crucial role in keeping those populations balanced within the ecosystem.


Conservation

Learn more about our efforts, our conservation partners around the world, and the simple steps you can take to contribute.

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