Lynx and Bobcat

Comparative Appearances

Lynx and Bobcat are both present in Michigan. Bobcat is more common. They are easily confused by the untrained eye. (information source: michigandnr.com )

 

BOBCAT (Lynx rufus)
shorter hair tufts
irregular spots or blotches on body
multiple black bars on tail
white underneath
shorter legs
smaller paws

LYNX (Lynx canadensis)
distinctive hair tufts on ears
very few spots or blotches on body
single black bar extends around tail
longer legs
larger paws

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sources for text and photographs (citations)
(bobcat image source: felidaefund.org )
(lynx image source: animalcorner.co.uk )