LYNX KUKUS. . j 



LYNX RUFUS (^'K^lin) Raf. 



IVi'/f/ Cat ; Bay Lynx ; "'Chat Ccn'icr." 



The Wild Cat is, for some reason, an extremely rare animal in the 

 Adirondacks. It may be that our climate is too severe for it, since 

 it is much more common farther south. 



It frequents rocky hills and ledges, and does not show that antip- 

 athy to civilization so marked in its congener, the Lynx. In fact it 

 is often quite conimon in thickly settled portions of the State, and 

 sometimes proves of much annoyance to the farmer by carrying off 

 lambs, little pigs, and poultry — ducks, geese, turkeys, and chickens 

 proving alike acceptable. Away from the farm-yard it feeds upon 

 rabbits, squirrels, mice, grouse, and what small birds it is fortunate 

 enough to capture. It generally makes its nest in a hollow tree 

 or log, and lines it well with moss. From two to four young con- 

 stitute a litter, the most frequent number being three. 



In 1873 or 1874, I shot a grouse as it was flying along the north 

 side of Mt. Tom, in Massachusetts. Scarcely had it touched the 

 rocky slope when a Wild Cat sprang upon it, from behind a neigh- 

 boring bush, and, in a succession of rapid leaps, started up the side 

 of the mountain with the grouse in its mouth. Fhe contents of the 

 other barrel of my gun caused him to change his mind as well as 

 direction. 



I have eaten the flesh of the Wild Cat, and can pronounce it excel- 

 lent. It is white, very tender, and suggests veal more than any other 

 meat with which I am familiar. 



When enraged, this animal is the most ferocious-looking beast I 

 have ever seen, and hisses, spits, and growls in the most unattractive 

 manner imaginable. 



The term " Wild Cat" is sometimes also applied to certain erratic 

 individuals of the domestic cat kind, that have become wild and make 

 their homes in the forest, bringing forth their young in hollow logs, 

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