Canada Lynx

The Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) is a medium-sized wild cat adapted to cold, snowy forests. In Banff National Park, lynx inhabit the subalpine and montane zones; including the forested terrain around the Larch area; where dense conifer cover and snowshoe hares provide ideal habitat.

Identification

Larger than a bobcat, with long black ear tufts, broad snowshoe-like paws, and a short, black-tipped tail. Fur is gray to buff, usually unspotted. Adults weigh 18–24 lb (8–11 kg). The large paws help them travel on deep snow; bobcats have smaller feet and prefer drier terrain.

Habitat and diet

Lynx are strongly tied to snowshoe hare populations, which cycle every 8–10 years. They hunt primarily at night in dense spruce, fir, and lodgepole pine forest. Solitary and elusive; sightings are rare even when populations are healthy.

Viewing

Lynx are rarely seen. If you encounter one, maintain distance and never approach. Report observations to Parks Canada wardens.

The resort’s Lynx run in the Larch area is named after this animal.