Unit 1 [PDF] - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Canada lynx.
Front
Rear
Canada lynx tracks.
Front/Rear
3.25” width by 3.25” length
Chapter 4 - Wisconsin’s Furbearer Resource
Endangered Species:
American marten are a state endangered species. Marten are sometimes
caught accidentally in fisher, fox, bobcat, or coyote sets. Special trapping
regulations are imposed in areas with known marten populations and trappers
are encouraged to use avoidance techniques as well. Contact the nearest DNR
office for assistance in releasing them or to report incidental trap deaths.
Canada Lynx
Lynx canadensis; Order: Carnivora; Family: Felidae
Description:
The Canada lynx is on the U.S. Endangered Species List and classified as
threatened. Canada lynx are light gray, with scattered brown to black hair, cinnamon
colored underparts and short tails. Its most identifiable features are the
long, feather-like ear tufts, the very large feet and the entirely black tipped tail.
The lynx has longer legs and a lankier body than the bobcat, making it appear
larger, though it stands only about 24 inches at the shoulder. Males are larger
than females, and the animals weigh from 11-40 pounds.
Biology:
Lynx live in coniferous forests, bogs, and swamps. During the day, Canada
lynx rest in cover. They climb trees and often leap down onto prey including
snowshoe hares, birds and voles. They will also eat larger dead animals, and
occasionally deer, caribou or sheep. They pose little threat to humans or domestic
animals. Wolves and mountain lions kill and in some cases feed on Canada
lynx. They breed in March or April, producing one litter of 3-4 young. When
snowshoe hare populations are low, lynx become very scarce.
Habitat:
The animal always has been rare in the lower 48 because its primary prey, the
snowshoe hare, mostly is found in Canada and Alaska at densities that will
sustain lynx. While rare, Canada lynx may disperse to Wisconsin when prey
populations, especially snowshoe hares, decline in Canada. Canada lynx are
found in Alaska and the northern states, in parts of the Rocky Mountains and
New England.
Sign:
Although lynx tracks are similar to those of bobcat, their feet are significantly
larger and there is more hair around and between the toes. This gives a
“snowshoe effect” and prevents lynx from sinking so deeply into the snow and
also results in the toe marks being indistinct. For such a long-legged animal,
the lynx has a relatively short stride with alternating tracks spaced about 8-10
inches apart. Lynx scat is similar to those of bobcat.
Wisconsin Trapper Education Manual 46