Lynx or Bobcat? How to tell these wild cats apart

The differences between Canada lynx and bobcats can be hard to spot for the untrained eye. But learning what makes each cat unique can help deepen our understanding of the West’s rich biodiversity and prepare us to stay safe while exploring. 

"As we continue to live, work and recreate in wildlife habitat the potential for conflict will continue to increase ... it is our responsibility to make sure that we are prepared and to expect to encounter." 

- Kathy Murray, provincial support coordinator for WildSafeBC

Facial features

The most stark differences between the cats come from their facial features. 

"It's really the ears, they're very distinctive looking ... the black tuft at the top of each ear. That is the biggest giveaway." 

- Kathy Murray, provincial support coordinator for WildSafeBC

Canada lynx’s dark-coloured tufts are very prominent. One of the most reliably consistent traits of the species is that their tufts are often longer than one inch. Bobcats' tufts are also dark but are smaller or less pronounced and sometimes even barely noticeable.

Both cats have a facial ruff that gives them a bearded appearance. 

A bobcat has a short, tidy and rounded beard that looks similar to sideburns. It’s often streaked or striped and has a solid white patch under the chin. In the summer months it thins out and becomes even smaller. 

A lynx has a long and shaggy beard that is highly prominent. The grey-white ruff flares out sideways with two distinct points below the chin. It remains thick throughout the year. 

Fur and tail

Canada lynx and bobcats each have unique fur and tail. 

A Canada lynx has a short tail rounded by an all black tip. But a bobcat has a longer, band-patterned tail with a black tip that has white underneath.

The bobcat’s fur continues the pattern trend. It sports a reddish-brown coat with distinct black spotting that’s suited for a densely wooded environment. The Canada lynx prefers a thicker and lighter-coloured coat with minimal spots to help it blend through snowy hills.

Size

Both cats differ in size and stature. 

The bobcat is generally the smaller of the two cats, ranging from 50 to 125 centimetres in length and weighing from 4 to 18 kilograms. An adult stands from 1 to 2 feet tall at the shoulders. Their paw prints look similar to a house cat but are much larger at an average of 45 millimetres.

An adult Canada lynx stands near 2 feet tall at the shoulders and ranges from 70 to 110 centimetres long. They usually weigh from 5 to 17 kilograms. Canada lynx tracks are larger than those of the bobcat at 75 to 95 millimetres. Their thicker fur may make the toe pads appear less prominent.

Know before you go

Both Canada lynx and bobcats usually avoid humans. But knowing how to react during an encounter will help keep both you and the animal safe on the trail.

"It is pretty unusual to actually see a cougar, a lynx or bobcat. They are spot and stock hunters ... the main thing to remember is that they are predators." - Kathy Murray, provincial support coordinator for WildSafeBC

If you spot the animal from afar:

• Give space: Give the animal time to move away naturally. Never approach or corner it.

If the cat approaches or acts aggressively:

• Make noise: Clap your hands or shout firmly, use a whistle, bang hiking poles together.
• Look big: Stand tall, raise your arms, stand together if hiking in a group.
• Throw objects: If the animal persists, throw rocks, sticks or other items near it

Here are some of Kathy Murray's top tips: 

"If you've got small children or a group, regroup yourself, stand up to it. 

If you've got hiking poles or sticks, bang them on the ground. 

Speak loudly, use your voice ... 

We certainly encourage people to carry bear spray. Have it accessible. Know how to use it. It's no substitute for using your best common sense, but it can be a great tool."

More big cat tips

Want to learn more about western Canada's big cats? Visit WildSafeBC's page on the Cougar.

You can find more wildlife educational resources on the WildSafeBC website.

Anyone who encounters or witnesses a wildlife conflict is encouraged to report it to the Conservation Officer hotline at 1-877-952-7277.