Bobcats are smaller than the three species of lynx.
Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are one of the four species of lynx. Bobcats differ from their relatives, the Canada lynx (Lynx canadis), the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), in several ways. Their range overlaps that of the Canada lynx, and at first glance the two species might look similar, but there are a few key distinguishing characteristics. All the cats from the Lynx genus are medium sized wild cats, but in some ways the bobcat resemble a large domestic cat more than the others.
Size
With an average length of 2 to 3 feet, bobcats are the smallest species of the genus. The Canada lynx averages 3 feet, and the other two species are somewhat bigger. However, bobcats vary widely in size. The largest adult bobcats can be almost twice the length of the smallest. One large individual bobcat might be larger than most of the lynx in the same area.
Build
Bobcats are more compact than lynx. They have relatively shorter legs and smaller paws. Overall, bobcats have a less elongated look and appear sturdier.
Ear Tufts and Manes
Lynx have long ear tufts and distinctive manes around their faces. Bobcats have less facial fur, with short ear tufts and much less obvious manes. The slightly longer fur around or underneath a bobcat's face usually does little more than frame it.
Coloring
Both bobcats and lynx have gray-brown fur, although lynx are usually grayer and bobcats show more brown tones. Bobcats also have leopard-like splotches all over their backs and sides. Canada, and other, lynx either have no splotches or just a few. The most telling difference between bobcats and lynx lies in the tails. Bobcats have several dark bands over the upper side of their tails, with a white underside. Canada lynx have one dark band that circumvents the tip of the tail. Lynx tails are also shorter.
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