Today the lynx can be found only in western Montana, parts of northern Idaho, northeastern Washington, Canada and the Adirondack Mountains of New York state. Snowshoe hares make up the majority of the lynx's diet, but they will also eat rodents, birds and fish. Lynx are solitary, nocturnal animals who often travel up to twelve miles in a single night searching for food. They stalk and ambush their prey by sight and sound, sound being most important. It is thought that their long ear tufts are useful in detecting the movements of their prey.
Lynx are also excellent swimmers and climbers.
Nursing lasts for about five months, although kittens will begin to eat some meat at one month. Man's continuous development of much of its territory has made it more difficult for the lynx to thrive. The fur trade also poses a serious threat to the survival of the lynx. Appendix II listed species can only be traded commercially if it does not harm their survival.