# European Lynx (*Lynx lynx*) The European Lynx is a beautiful wild cat with tufted ears and a spotted coat. They are shy and love to hide in the forests. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Forests and mountains - **Also known as:** Eurasian Lynx ![European Lynx](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426274/objects/4477.jpg) ## Appearance The European Lynx has thick, spotted fur, usually reddish-brown to grey, with white underparts. It's easily recognized by its distinctive black ear tufts, short black-tipped tail, and large, "snowshoe-like" paws. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Felidae - **Genus:** Lynx ## Interesting facts - A lynx can leap up to 7 meters (23 feet) to surprise its prey! - Lynx whiskers are so sensitive they can 'feel' prey in total darkness! - Their huge paws act like snowshoes, helping them walk silently over deep snow! - Their short, black-tipped tail helps balance them during quick turns and jumps! ## Special abilities - **Super Hearing:** European Lynx can rotate its ears and pinpoint tiny sounds, helping them locate prey from far away. - **Night Vision:** European Lynx has incredible night vision, allowing them to hunt effectively in the dark. - **Camouflage Coat:** European Lynx has a spotted coat that helps them blend perfectly into forest shadows, hiding from prey. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 80-130 cm - **Weight:** 18-30 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-15 years - **Speed:** 70 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-4 - **Gestation:** 67-74 days ## Diet & Feeding A powerful hunter that feasts mainly on deer, hares, and birds found in its forest home. - **Primary Foods:** Roe deer, European hares, Voles, Red deer calves, Capercaillie - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [Roe Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/roe-deer) (*Capreolus capreolus*) — Primary prey for sustenance. - **Hunts:** [European Hare](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-hare) (*Lepus europaeus*) — Commonly hunted small prey. - **Eaten by:** Grey Wolf (*Canis lupus*) — Kittens occasionally taken by larger predators. - **Shelter:** [Norway Spruce](https://www.snappit.app/explore/norway-spruce) (*Picea abies*) — Provides dense cover for hunting and dens. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Whiskered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/whiskered): Possessing prominent sensory hairs or vibrissae, often around the snout. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low The European Lynx is shy and usually keeps to itself. If you see one, it's best to admire it from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify European Lynx? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is European Lynx? 80-130 cm ### How much does European Lynx weigh? 18-30 kg ### How long does European Lynx live? 10-15 years ### How fast can European Lynx move? 70 km/h ### What does European Lynx eat? A powerful hunter that feasts mainly on deer, hares, and birds found in its forest home. ### Where is European Lynx usually found? Forests and mountains ### How does European Lynx hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Buffalo Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/buffalo-zoo) — New York, US · Zoo - [İzmir Doğal Yaşam Parkı](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/izmir-do-al-ya-am-park) — Izmir, TR · Zoo - [Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/birmingham-wildlife-conservation-park) — England, GB · Zoo - [Mill Mountain Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mill-mountain-zoo) — Virginia, US · Zoo - [Ranuan Eläinpuisto](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ranuan-el-inpuisto) — Lapland, FI · Zoo - [Red River Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/red-river-zoo) — North Dakota, US · Zoo [View all places to see European Lynx](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/european-lynx) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [European Lynx: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-lynx)