Canada Lynx 685 



"It is hardly necessary to call attention to the fact that this 

 specimen is one of unusual interest, since its very decided 

 markings, of which scarcely a trace remains in the adult 

 animal, cast some light upon the genetic affinities of the genus 

 to which it pertains. A critical study of these markings leads 

 to the interesting conclusion that the genus Lynx was derived 

 from the group of Cats of which the Ocelot (Felis pardalis) 

 is the nearest living representative." 



After the young Lynxes have been suckled for two or three 

 months the family — mother, kits, and probably father — set out 

 on their travels. At this time the young are weaned and have 

 for a month or more been eating solid food, but now they 

 begin to learn hunting for themselves. The instinctive habit 

 of the race, stimulated by hunger and the mother's example, 

 is doubtless the prime motive power. 



Although usually a shy creature, avoiding a meeting with family 

 man, the Lynx mother is very ready to fight for her family. 



On one occasion, while out on a camera hunt in Colorado, 

 I heard a buck stamping in a little dale and, slipping off 

 my horse, camera in hand, sneaked after the Deer. I found 

 nothing but his tracks, and was peering across an open place, 

 when I caught sight of a large animal close to me on the 

 right. On passing into the clear space it turned to look at me. 

 It was a Lynx, but it seemed very small, and its expression was 

 one of innocent curiosity, entirely without menace. It paused 

 at 30 feet. I hastened to adjust the camera, and as I did so a 

 deep rumbling growl and a movement in a thicket close at 

 hand made me jump. I turned around, to see within 15 feet 

 a Lynx three times as big as the first, and eyeing me savagely 

 from behind some willows. My first thought was to wish for 

 a gun, for I realized that the Lynx in the open was only a kitten; 

 now I had to meet the mother. My second thought was that 

 the old one would do me no harm if I faced her, and did not 

 molest the kitten. So I tried to get her photograph, but she 

 disappeared, and when I looked around the little one also was 



