Lynx (Lynx lynx L.)

The largest European cat, almost exterminated at most of its original area of distribution. It occurs in forests of Scandinavia, Balkan, and eastern Europe. In our conditions, it lives in mixed and coniferous forests located in northern and central Slovakia. 700 - 1500 meters above the sea level. Its heavily built, quadratic body with long legs is 80 - 115 cm long, 55 -70 cm tall, weighting 15-30 kg. Its fur is thick, rusty grey-yellow with dark brown spots. The bottom of it's body and chin are whitish, ear tufts and the end of a short tail are black. Lynx has striking black stripes on its cheeks. Its main prey is roe deer, though it also eats hares, mice, and smaller birds. Lynx is active mostly at dusk and at night, its territory covers up to 30 km2. It is solitary, making couples only during the mating period (February and March). Female gives birth (2-4 cubs) in May and June. The cubs reach sexual maturity after 2 years, and they live about 16-18 years.