Bobcat vs Lynx

Bobcats use many kinds of habitat, while Canada lynx stay in snowy boreal forests, so location alone sometimes helps. Where their ranges overlap, in places like northern Maine, look closely. This page treats lynx as the Canada lynx, the species a US visitor is most likely to ask about.

Maine's wildlife agency lists several field marks. Lynx have long ear tufts of an inch or more, a uniform coat, big feet and a rump slightly higher than the shoulders, with hind legs that look longer. Bobcats have short or absent tufts, a spotted coat with a white belly and a flat back profile.

Bobcat vs Lynx side by side

Last verified October 2026. Typical values; individual animals, products and local prices vary.

When you are looking at which

Bobcat

• The tail has a black band on top and white underneath.
• The ear tufts are short or hard to see, and the coat is spotted with a pale belly.
• Its back looks flat in profile, and it is in a rocky canyon, thicket or other varied habitat.
• The tracks in mud or snow measure about 2 inches across.

Lynx

• The tail tip is black all around, like it was dipped in ink.
• Long ear tufts, an inch or more, stand up from the ears.
• The hind end looks higher than the shoulders and the feet look big.
• You are in snowy northern forest, such as northern Maine, with plenty of snowshoe hares.

How this works

The quiz uses ear tufts, tail tip, track size, back profile and habitat. Each answer points to bobcat or lynx, and the side with more answers wins. Tail pattern is the most dependable of the five, and a close score is reported as too close to call.

The comparison covers the Canada lynx and the bobcat. Other lynx species live outside the US. Tuft length varies, and tracks change with snow and soil, so one cue can mislead. Use at least two cues before deciding, and treat a lone cue as a hint.

Where these numbers come from

The figures and defaults on this page are based on:

• Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: Canada Lynx, supports ear tufts, tail, tracks, profile, size and habitat differences (checked October 2026)
• Texas Parks and Wildlife: Bobcat, supports bobcat tufts, coat, habitat, diet and activity (checked October 2026)

Field-identification guide. Wild cats are dangerous; do not approach and report sightings to your state wildlife agency.