# Eurasian Lynx (*Lynx lynx*)

> The Eurasian lynx is a medium-sized wild cat with black-tufted ears, a bobbed tail, and large snowshoe-like paws. It hunts deer, hares, and rodents across boreal and temperate forests from Scandinavia to the Himalayas, and is the largest lynx species in the world.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Boreal and temperate forests from Scandinavia and the Carpathians east through Russia to Central Asia and the Himalayas.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/lynx/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Carnivora
- **Family:** Felidae
- **Genus:** Lynx

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Lynx lynx |
| Diet | Carnivore — deer, hares, rodents, and birds |
| Habitat | Boreal and temperate forests across Eurasia |
| Lifespan | 12–17 years in the wild |
| Weight | 18–30 kg (40–66 lb); males larger than females |
| Top speed | Up to 50 km/h (31 mph) in ambush pursuit |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Stealth hunting

Lynxes are ambush predators that rely on short bursts and cover rather than long chases. Large paws act as snowshoes in winter, spreading weight over soft snow while pursuing roe deer and hares. A lynx may travel 20 km in a night while patrolling its territory.

## Territory and solitude

Solitary and territorial, lynxes mark ranges with scrapes, urine, and scat. Males have larger territories that overlap several females. Kittens stay with the mother for about ten months before dispersing to find their own range.

## Reintroduction success

Hunted to extinction in many parts of western Europe, the Eurasian lynx has been reintroduced successfully in Switzerland, Slovenia, and other countries. Carpathian and Scandinavian populations remain the strongholds, supporting ongoing conservation programmes.

## Conservation status

Globally Least Concern, though some isolated populations are small and vulnerable to road mortality and habitat fragmentation. Lynxes need large, connected forest blocks with adequate prey — roe deer recovery has helped lynx comeback in several regions.

## Frequently asked questions

### How big is a lynx compared to a bobcat?

The Eurasian lynx is generally larger — up to 30 kg — while North American bobcats typically weigh under 15 kg. Lynxes have longer legs and larger paws adapted to deep snow.

### Do lynxes climb trees?

Yes. Lynxes climb trees to rest, escape threats, and sometimes stash kills out of reach of scavengers.

### What do lynxes eat?

Mainly roe deer and other small to medium ungulates, plus hares, rodents, and birds when larger prey is scarce.

### Are lynxes dangerous to humans?

Lynxes avoid people and attacks are exceptionally rare. They are secretive cats that retreat when detected.

### Where can you see lynxes in the wild?

Scandinavia, the Carpathians, and the Balkans offer the best chances in Europe. Sightings are rare because lynxes are nocturnal and shy.

## Sources

- [IUCN Red List — Lynx lynx.](https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Lynx%20lynx&searchType=species)
- [Animal Diversity Web — Lynx lynx. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lynx_lynx/)

---
Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/lynx/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.