The Lynx
(Lynx lynx)
The lynx is sometimes referred to as Sweden’s “mini tiger” — a large feline that moves silently and runs with great agility. It is also one of Sweden’s most beloved animals, according to public surveys conducted over the years.
About
The lynx is Sweden’s only wild feline. It shares the body shape of a domestic cat, but its larger size, short tail, and distinctive ear tufts make it easy to tell apart. The lynx has been voted Sweden’s most popular animal on several occasions. Its coat is beige to light brown, sometimes with distinct spots and sometimes almost uniform in colour. An adult lynx typically weighs 15–25 kg.
Lynx hunt reindeer, deer, and smaller prey. They are swift runners over short distances and rely on stealth, sneaking up on their prey before making a sudden leap. The lynx is a solitary animal; females raise their young alone for about a year. Mating takes place in spring, and the cubs are born in early summer.
Did you know that
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The lynx can purr just like a domestic cat.
- In the past, people believed that the lynx had the ability to see through walls.
- It has also been voted the most popular animal in Sweden on several occasions.
Facts
Scientific name: Lynx lynx
Conservation status: Vulnerable (VU)
Size: Length 70–115 cm; shoulder height 50–70 cm
Weight: Typically 15–25 kg; males 20–35 kg and females 15–25 kg
Number of young: Cubs are born in a den in May–June, usually 2–3, though litters of 1 or 4 are not uncommon
Conservation status
