Canadian Lynx
Brandon Valha period 1 May 16, 2016
Habitat
The Canadian Lynx lives in moist, boreal forests that have cold, snowy winters and a high density of their favorite prey which is the snowshoe hare. (Defenders of Wildlife) This also means they stalk it everywhere and make do with what they have. Because they are nomadic they are always on the move. Lynx also use mature forest with dense undercover and downed wood for denning so if there was a wild fire it would basically build a home for a lynx. (Defenders of Wildlife). The Lynx usually live and survive on there own they are very solitary.
Where their population is found
In the Snowy Climate
In the Forest Climate
Movement
The lynx uses its giant paws to move, with one on each of its four legs. Their legs are made for hunting, because the back ones are a little bigger and stronger for running and pouncing on its prey. Giving it a stooped look all the time when its just standing or sitting in one place. They only run and jump when they hunt for food.
Body Covering
The lynx is characterized by its long ear tufts, flared facial ruff. That's what its face looks like covered in fur.(Defenders of Wildlife) Its tail is short with a entirely black tip. Its paws are huge, and with this size they act like snowshoes in the deep snow. Its legs are unique because the hind legs are a little longer then the front making it look stooped over all the time.(defenders of Wildlife) Its last feature is its Long fur it has grown this coat almost because it lives mostly in cold climates were the air is chilling to the bone. They are a silver, grey color. They are vertebrates which means they have a backbone. They also shed there fur and grow new ones when it gets colder.
Diet
The lynx is a amazing hunter that has its main focus is on the snowshoe hare, which make up the bulk of their diet.(Defenders of Wildlife) Lynxes can only survive if their is a greater number of snowshoe hares to eat. In Canada and Alaska, the population increases when the population of the snowshoe hare. But they are also know to eat mice, voles, grouse, ptarmigan, red squirrel, and carrion. (Defenders Wildlife)
Reprodution
When the female gives birth there is usually a litter of 1-4 kittens. (Morris,40) The period of time were the kittens mostly born is April-June, Based on were they live this time is when it gets warmer. The kittens stay with the mother for the first year of their lives. (Defenders of Wildlife) They are sexual and the young develop inside the female.
Adaptations
Their large, well-furred feet make excellent snowshoes, especially in slightly crusted snow, and allow for silent nocturnal stalking (Toronto Zoo). Because they are nocturnal hunters they have good sight and hearing.Claws are retractable, and they are great swimmers (Toronto Zoo).
Other info
- Up to 15 years
- Around 2 feet
- Mating season is March and April(Defenders of Wildlife)
- scientific name Lynx canadensis (Toronto Zoo)
work cited
"Canada Lynx." Toronto Zoo. Toronto, n.d. Web. 13 May 2016.
<http://www.torontozoo.com/explorethezoo/AnimalDetails.asp?pg=666>.
"Canada Lynx." Toronto Zoo. Toronto, n.d. Web. 13 May 2016.
<http://www.torontozoo.com/explorethezoo/AnimalDetails.asp?pg=666>.
Morris, Pat. Large Carnivores. 2nd ed. N.p.: Golier, 2003. Print. Vol. 2 of
Mammals Large Carnivores. 23 vols. World of Animals.