Where does the lynx live, reproduce, and protect itself from enemies?

The lynx belongs to the cat family. Although it differs significantly in appearance from the cat, it is its closest relative.

Ear tufts are a distinctive feature of any lynx. They help the predator detect even the slightest sounds, essential for hunting. In addition to keen eyesight, it has a highly developed sense of smell.

There are 4 species of lynx in nature:

1. Eurasian lynx (common).
2. Canadian.
3. Redhead.
4. Pyrenean or Spanish.

The Siberian lynx is considered the largest representative of the feline class, inhabiting the numerous forests of Europe. The European continent is home to the common lynx, also known as the European or Eurasian lynx. The European population is small and secretive, making it very difficult to spot in the wild.

Its body can reach 130 cm in length and up to 70 cm in height. An adult animal can weigh from 20 to 25 kg. Females are slightly smaller than males. They have a short, but very fluffy tail – no more than 30 cm. The animal’s muzzle is very similar to the muzzle of a domestic cat.

The animal's fur is very thick and warm, especially in winter. The Siberian lynx has a valuable pelt, comparable in quality to that of other fur-bearing animals. The color of its fur depends on the region where it lives. The Siberian lynx has a smoky coat with darker or brownish-red spots. The belly is white and very thick.

The animal's lifespan in the wild is 15 years, but in captivity, a lynx can live for 25 years. However, keeping this wild animal in captivity is difficult. It is very picky about its food. It eats only good meat, and its diet must be constantly varied. Otherwise, the animal dies very quickly.

Where does the lynx live?

This wild animal can be found in the forests of North America and Eurasia. It can also be found beyond the Arctic Circle. Due to the value of its fur and deforestation, large numbers of the animal were hunted to extinction in most European countries by the early 20th century.

Today, lynx can be found in:

• Norway;
• Czech Republic;
• Sweden;
• Finland;
• Russia;
• Hungary;
• Serbia;
• Romania;
• Croatia;
• Georgia.

The wild animal also inhabits the Baltic states, Mongolia, China, Greece, and Albania. In most of these countries, the animal has been reintroduced.

In America she lives in the territory from southern Canada to MexicoThe largest percentage of the population lives in the eastern and southern parts of the United States. In the early 20th century, the animal settled in Kamchatka.

In Russia, 90% of the Eurasian lynx population lives in Siberia. However, they can be found from the western borders of the Russian Federation to Sakhalin Island.

Habitats

Even an experienced hunter has difficulty accessing the animal's habitat. It prefers cluttered old windfalls and taiga forests with dense undergrowth, where it's always dark. Its favorite forests are coniferous ones.

The wild animal tries to avoid people. It can sense humans hundreds of meters away and moves away silently. However, during times of famine, it may even enter populated areas in search of food. It confidently attacks domestic animals. It is strong enough to kill even an adult German Shepherd.

Like a predator, a beast leads a nocturnal lifestyleIt only comes out to search for prey at dusk. It most often hunts hares, but can also catch martens and squirrels. If given the opportunity, it may also attack wild boar, roe deer, and red deer. It enjoys the meat of wood grouse, hazel grouse, and black grouse.

Lynxes dislike foxes. When encountering a fox, they will try to kill it, but will not eat it.

One hare lasts her two days, and one roe deer seven days. She buries large prey that she can't consume immediately in the summer, covers it with snow in the winter, and always remains close to the buried prey.

Lynxes are sedentary. However, they can travel over 30 km per day in search of prey. Lynxes are naturally solitary creatures. The amount of time they spend alone depends on food availability.

Reproduction

The female and her cubs live only for a few months. During this period of time, she teaches kittens hunting skills and how to defend yourself from enemies.

The female first brings the cubs live hares and mice, which they play with. Then she takes them hunting. In February, the female usually chases the cubs away. But by this time, they are ready for independent life in the taiga.

How does a lynx defend itself from enemies?

In the taiga forests, the lynx's main enemy is the wolf. Wolves hunt for lynxes and, once caught, attempt to strangle them. The Siberian animal hides from its enemies in trees, thanks to its strong paws and sharp claws. It is also an excellent swimmer.

The wolverine is also an enemy of the lynx.They are equally strong and large. However, this animal is better adapted to winter life. It is much more resilient and not very picky about its diet. A wolverine can eat the scraps left by a lynx and can even drive the lynx away from its prey. During periods of famine, a wolverine can kill and consume an animal. These animals are usually weakened.

In Siberia, a tiger has been recorded killing this animal. Feral dogs can also be predators of this animal, but this is rare. The habitats of wild dogs and lynxes generally do not overlap.

There are very few places on the planet where the lynx does not live. But the species' population is constantly decliningThis is due to the destruction of the animal's natural habitat and over-hunting of this beautiful creature. In some European countries, these animals are practically extinct.