In the natural world, where the weak and the strong coexist, it is a well-established rule that cows and sheep consume grass, while tigers and wolves feed on meat. Even during the hunting process, if two carnivores cross paths, they often try to avoid conflict.
However, exceptions exist in every rule. In the carnivorous realm, there is an animal that defies this norm by preying on the formidable wolf—the lynx.
Resembling a cat in some ways, yet distinct from it, the lynx is often described as having wolf-like characteristics and is even regarded as the national animal of Romania.
The lynx is a creature of the cold northern temperate zone, surviving exclusively in the northern hemisphere. It is a medium-sized feline that is well adapted to frigid climates, measuring approximately 80-140cm in length and weighing around 8-29kg, with females being slightly smaller.
Their coat coloration predominantly consists of brownish-red or gray hues, adorned with black or dark brown spots.
The lynx genus can be primarily categorized into four main types: the Eurasian lynx, Canada lynx, Iberian lynx, and bobcats.
Although the bobcat is referred to as a "cat" and bears some resemblance to domestic felines, it is actually two to three times larger and belongs to the lynx genus, displaying a fierce nature.
The Iberian lynx is smaller than the Eurasian lynx and has shorter, rough fur with dense and dark spots. It lives in Spain and Portugal, but its population has decreased drastically due to human development.
The Canada lynx has large paws and is found in Canada and the northern United States. It prefers coniferous forests and woodlands as its habitat.
Similar to other lynx species, the Eurasian lynx also features brown spots on its body. However, its coat exhibits more diversity, showcasing four distinct colors: silvery gray, yellowish, yellowish-brown, and red-brown. Additionally, their winter coat is lighter in color compared to their summer coat, but it compensates with longer, thicker fur, enabling them to endure harsh winter conditions.
Lynxes are solitary animals that are adept at climbing and swimming. They have thick fur to keep them warm, strong limbs for chasing prey, and soft paws to hide their tracks.
Lynxes are most active during the morning and evening. They are skilled hunters and have a high success rate in capturing their prey.
When faced with danger, lynxes employ a couple of defensive strategies. They often quickly ascend trees, seeking refuge in the branches. Alternatively, they may opt to feign death by falling to the ground, using this deceptive tactic as a means of concealment.
As carnivores, lynxes primarily target rabbits and other rodents as their main prey.
Occasionally, they may also prey on wild boar and deer, demonstrating fearlessness even when faced with larger animals, including other carnivores like wolves.
Compared to other felines or canines that inhabit the wild, lynxes may be smaller in size and have often been underestimated by humans in terms of their capabilities.
However, in reality, lynxes possess tremendous courage and determination, and their predatory abilities are not inferior to those of jackals, wolves, tigers, or leopards.
One could even argue that they are a smaller representation of the "king of all animals."