How Do Bobcats and Lynxes Differ?

Taxonomy often seems puzzling. Experts classify every individual on Earth — from your eccentric neighbor with tattoos and vibrant hair to devoted Buddhists and sherpas across the globe — as part of the same species, Homo sapiens. Yet, creatures that look nearly identical are often categorized as distinct species.

Consider the bobcat and lynx. Both are medium-sized felines with tufted ears and short tails, yet they are classified as separate species. What explains this distinction?

Believe it or not, there's a logical explanation. Although bobcats and lynxes are distinct species, they both fall under the same genus, Lynx. This group includes four species, three of which carry the lynx name: the Eurasian lynx, the Spanish (or Iberian) lynx, and the Canadian lynx. The fourth member, the bobcat, is the most widespread wild cat in North America.

The Eurasian lynx, the most populous and widely distributed of the four, inhabits regions across western Europe and northern Asia. In contrast, the Spanish lynx, the rarest, is confined to Spain and Portugal. The Canadian lynx primarily resides in Canada and a few northern U.S. states such as Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming, and Washington.

Although the three lynx species have a broader global presence, the bobcat reigns supreme in North America. This is because the lynx thrives in forested environments, where its primary prey, the snowshoe hare, is abundant. The bobcat, however, adapts to diverse habitats, ranging from southern marshes and swamps to western deserts and scrublands, and even northern mountainous forests. The Canadian lynx and bobcat overlap only along the U.S.-Canada border.

Bobcats and Lynxes: The Essence of Wild Felines

Even among the three lynx species, variations in size and appearance make it challenging to generalize their differences with bobcats. For example, the Siberian lynx, a subspecies of the Eurasian lynx, can weigh up to 84 pounds (38 kilograms), far exceeding the typical lynx weight range of 18 to 60 pounds (8 to 27 kilograms) [source: San Diego Zoo]. Despite these variations, distinct differences remain.

The bobcat resembles a large domestic cat more closely than a lynx. In contrast, the lynx has a striking appearance, with elongated ear tufts and a shaggy facial mane. These ear tufts, which can reach nearly an inch (2.5 centimeters) in length, enhance its hearing, allowing it to detect the faintest sounds of prey [source: San Diego Zoo].

A lynx's larger paws and longer legs are adaptations for moving through deep snow, common in its habitat. These broad, furry feet function like snowshoes, aiding the lynx in hunting during winter. Snowshoe hares make up 60 to 90 percent of the Canadian lynx's diet [source: Why Evolution is True].

The Spanish lynx, also reliant on rabbits and hares, saw its population drop to around 300 due to declining rabbit numbers. However, conservation efforts have increased its numbers to approximately 1,111 in Spain and Portugal. The Eurasian lynx, less selective in its diet, has been known to hunt reindeer much larger than itself [source: San Diego Zoo].

Unlike its rabbit- and hare-focused relatives, the bobcat enjoys a diverse diet, including birds and mice. This agile predator can even take down larger animals, such as deer, with leaps reaching up to 10 feet (3 meters) [source: National Geographic].

Fortunately, bobcats aren't as reliant on snowshoe hares, as their smaller paws aren't well-suited for snowy terrain. Their coats are shorter and more spotted compared to lynxes, ranging from light gray to the more prevalent brown. Lynxes, except for the spotted Spanish lynx, typically have plain, thick, gray fur with minimal patterns.

No discussion about bobcats is complete without noting their distinctive short, rounded tails, which look as though they've been "bobbed." Both bobcats and lynxes share this trait, but the bobcat's tail features black stripes and is black on top with a white underside. In contrast, the lynx's tail is solid black at the tip and lacks stripes.

Behavior is another key factor in distinguishing bobcats from lynxes. Despite being similar in size (excluding the larger Spanish lynx), bobcats are known for their feisty demeanor. Their aggressive hunting tactics and fearless nature have earned them the title "spitfires of the Animal Kingdom" [source: San Diego Zoo].

Whether you're watching from a distance or up close, you now have a better understanding of the reasoning behind those quirky taxonomic classifications.