In the lower 48 states, as few as 700 to 1,200 lynx exist. Lynx in the wild tend to live 10 to 15 years. The lynx historically occupied four geographically distinct areas within the continental United States. Lynx today are known to occur only in Maine, Minnesota, Wyoming, Oregon, Idaho, and possibly in Michigan. A recent reintroduction program has begun in Colorado.
Lynx have complex needs for habitat.
Snowshoe hares are the primary prey of lynx. Lynx are specialized hunters and can survive only where there are adequate hare populations. Lynx occasionally prey on mice, voles, grouse, ptarmigan, and red squirrel. Generally solitary animals, lynx usually hunt and travel alone and are slightly more active at night than by day. May. Kittens stay with their mother for the first year while they learn to hunt.