 Secluded Wildcats |
Secluded Wildcats |
July 9, 2009Arcticulates ®Focusing on Alaska's BeautyAuthor: K. FieldsSecluded WildcatsRelaxed Lynx
Because they are typically shy and unobtrusive animals, people tend to think that they are scarce, but here in Alaska they are commonly seen during the long periods of summer daylight, especially in their abundant cyclic seasons. The Lynx are big cats, adults usually weigh 20 to 30 pounds, and the males can reach up to 40 pounds. If you happen to be standing next to one, the size comparison to a 5’8’ person, the Lynx would reach close to the thigh in height. They have beautiful fluffy, long fur that can range in a tan color to light brown, with indistinct spotting; the belly fur is the best view of spots on the Lynx. They have short little tails, similar to the bobcat; only the lynx tail is black tipped. Another distinguishing feature of the Lynx, are the ears which are tipped with long tufts of fur giving them a unique look. Lynx Close-Up
Lynx have long legs, their paws are covered in fur, with no pads showing, which protects their feet from the extreme terrain they hunt in. I call them, natural snowshoes, because their paws are usually the size of a person’s hand, with long sharp retractable claws, an identifier of the feline family. Lynx usually mate in March to Early April, with a 63 day gestation, the kittens are born in well hidden areas, to keep protected from other wildlife which will eat them if they find them. The Lynx kittens look like a domestic cat at birth, and are a light tan in color. A litter is usually 2 to 4, but sometimes up to six that survive, it depends on the natural cyclic changes of the small game populations for instance the snowshoe hare (approximately 8-10 year cycles). When the cycles are down, the younger Lynx will not breed, and the breeding adults decline, plus very few kitten survive, but when the cycles are up, they all breed, and most of the kittens survive. The kittens will stay with the mother until late winter acquiring hunting skills and knowledge necessary for survival. Lynx are usually traveling 1 to 5 miles a day around their home base daily, but are known to travel more then 100 miles away when the food source is scarce. Lynx Resting in The Snow
They are tree climbers but will usually stay on the ground, unless they need a tree as a refuge from larger predators such as wolves. The Snowshoe Hare are one of the major food sources for Lynx, they also dine on other small prey like grouse, ptarmigan, squirrels, shrews, and they will also prey on Caribou, Dall-Sheep, and Fox. Most Alaskan’s are also aware of the danger to their smaller domesticated pets...puppies, cats, etc. or their farms…chickens, goats, sheep, etc. because they are also a Lynx's delicacy! Later... K Fields Read more about Lynx here
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