When I was young, I thought how wonderful it would be to have a lion or tiger as a pet! As I got older, I realized a smaller version would be better and I focused on the Lynx as a possible candidate.
Of course, once I became an adult, I knew having exotic animals, especially wild cats, as pets was not something that should be encouraged.
Wild cats need room to roam, hunt, climb, run and do what all wild creatures need to do and that does not include being caged and living in an inhibited and inadequate environment. Sanctuaries and preserves dedicated to the enhancement of wild creatures are the exception and the work they do is appreciated by anyone who has a true concern for ensuring a species does not become endangered and ultimately, extinct.
My love of these beautiful creatures has never diminished throughout the years and I have the privilege of writing about them and sharing information with you here at Suite101.
This month, I'd like to share some information with you about the Canadian Lynx.
Not known as one of the fastest predators, it is one of the slyest and relies on its ability and stealth to survive. A surprise attack is its weapon when hunting.
By regular wildcat standards, (not the great cats) the Canadian lynx is in the medium range weighing in at around 20 lbs on the high end. They are between 3 ½ to 4 ½ feet long and sport a short tail, like a bobcat, of approximately 2 inches long. As a comparison, the Eurasian lynx weighs in at around 35 pounds and the Spanish lynx approximately 25 pounds.
Their coloring, which ranges from tawny, brown, gray, yellow highlights, black spots and white underbellies, is an ideal camouflage concealing and blending them into the forested areas of Canada, Europe and the northern U. S. The Canadian species has white highlights at the tip of its fur giving it a "frosted" appearance.
Overall, they prefer forests and dense growth environments but have adapted to other areas that include more open woodland, swampland and rocky terrain.
They are extremely agile and muscular with strong hind legs enabling them to bounce or climb and are good swimmers. Their paw pads are covered in thick fur so they can traverse snow-covered areas without being heard. A signature characteristic of the lynx is the long black ear tufts extension.
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