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Science & Nature • Mammal

Lynx roux

Le lynx roux (*Lynx rufus*), aussi appelé bobcat, est une espèce de félin d’Amérique du Nord.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a species of feline native to North America. It ranges from southern Canada to Mexico and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is a solitary and opportunistic predator, adapted to various habitats.

Taxonomy and naming

The bobcat belongs to the genus Lynx and the family Felidae. Its scientific name is Lynx rufus; in English it is commonly called bobcat.

Distribution and habitat

The species is widely distributed in North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. It occupies a variety of habitats, including forests, brushlands, grasslands, and some desert areas.

Description and behavior

The bobcat is a medium-sized feline with a short tail and fur ranging from gray-brown to reddish-brown. It is a solitary and secretive animal.

Conservation

The IUCN classifies the bobcat as Least Concern. Despite this global status, some local populations may be more vulnerable due to habitat loss and human pressure.

Key facts

  • Medium-sized feline, generally smaller than the Canada lynx.
  • Present across much of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
  • Diet consists mainly of small mammals such as rabbits, hares, and rodents.
  • Twelve recognized subspecies.
  • Not considered globally threatened.
  • In Quebec, also called 'lynx bai'.
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Canadian context

Le lynx roux est présent dans le sud du Canada, ce qui en fait une espèce familière de la faune canadienne, notamment au Québec et dans d’autres provinces méridionales.

Frequently asked questions

What is the scientific name of the bobcat?
Its scientific name is Lynx rufus.
Where does the bobcat live?
It lives in North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
Is the bobcat threatened?
No, it is listed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Is the bobcat the same as the lynx roux?
Yes. Bobcat is the common English name for lynx roux.
What does the bobcat eat?
It hunts mainly small animals, including rabbits, hares, and rodents.
Does the bobcat live in groups?
No. It is a solitary animal.

References

  1. Wikipédiahttps://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynx_roux
    Supports: Nom scientifique, répartition en Amérique du Nord, nombre de sous-espèces, identification comme espèce de lynx.
  2. Gouvernement du Québechttps://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/faune/animaux-sauvages-quebec/fiches-especes-fauniques/lynx-roux
    Supports: Nom commun au Québec, nom anglais, nom scientifique, comportement solitaire, présence au Québec.
  3. Futura Scienceshttps://www.futura-sciences.com/planete/definitions/zoologie-lynx-roux-8049/
    Supports: Classification, dimensions générales, statut UICN, répartition en Amérique du Nord.
  4. Techno-Sciencehttps://www.techno-science.net/glossaire-definition/Lynx-roux-page-5.html
    Supports: Statut UICN, inscription à l’Annexe II de la CITES.