Buzz
If you spot a medium-sized wild cat roaming in North America, it is likely either a bobcat (Lynx rufus) or, depending on how far north you are, a lynx (Lynx canadensis). Both cats are about the same size, possess unique ear tufts, and feature short, often bobbed tails—hence the name! These traits can make it tricky to tell them apart.
Cat | Coat | Size | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
Bobcat | Reddish-brown, spotted | 20-26 pounds | Southern Canada, U.S., northern Mexico |
Lynx | Gray, not spotted | 30 pounds or more | Canada, Alaska |
The similarity between these two species is understandable since both belong to the Lynx genus, which includes four species: the bobcat (also called the red lynx or bay lynx); the Canada lynx; the Iberian lynx; and the Eurasian lynx. While the bobcat and Canada lynx are native to North America, the Eurasian lynx roams across Europe and Asia, and the Iberian lynx is now found only in Spain and Portugal.
Comparing Bobcats and Lynx
The fur coats of bobcats and lynx differ in subtle ways. All four species feature black ear tufts, but those of bobcats are shorter. Bobcats also have less noticeable facial ruffs, the fur around the face that resembles a beard. Color is another distinguishing factor: Lynx typically have grayer coats, while bobcats tend to display a reddish-brown hue, along with more distinct spots and stripes.
In contrast to the Canada lynx, this bobcat features a reddish-brown coat. | Kevin Schafer/The Image Bank/Getty ImagesBobcats are generally smaller than other lynx species, weighing between 20 and 26 pounds—roughly twice the weight of a domestic cat—while lynx often surpass 30 pounds. This size difference is also evident in their legs and paws: Canada lynx have longer hind legs, bigger paws, and fur on their paw pads for insulation.
How to Clearly Tell the Difference Between Bobcats and Lynx
The differences between bobcats and lynx are not very useful unless the two cats are seen together, which is rare. The most reliable way to identify which feline you’ve encountered is through geography. The Canada lynx inhabits the colder regions of Canada and Alaska, with only a few populations in northern U.S. states (hence their large, furry paws for walking on snow!). Bobcats, on the other hand, are found in a wide range of milder climates, from forests to deserts to swamps, across southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico.
Canada lynx have impressively large paws. | mlorenzphotography/Moment/Getty ImagesThe only place where geography doesn’t offer a clear answer is along the Canada–U.S. border. In this overlapping area, the best way to identify the feline is by the tail. A lynx’s tail is shorter and appears as if dipped in black paint, whereas a bobcat’s tail is white underneath and marked with black stripes on top.
Another challenge for identifying cats along the border is inter-species mating. The hybrid between a bobcat and a lynx, affectionately called a blynx or lynxcat, complicates identification. “Hybridization can lead to rapid evolutionary changes or even extinction,” warns wildlife ecologist Amanda Chunco.
