The Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis) is a medium-sized wild cat native to the boreal forests of Canada and parts of the northern United States. It has long legs, large, snowshoe-like paws, a short black-tipped tail, and a thick, silvery-brown coat that provides insulation against harsh winters. Its most distinctive features are the long ear tufts and prominent ruff of fur around its face. The Canadian lynx is a solitary, nocturnal hunter that specializes in hunting snowshoe hares, whose population cycles strongly influence lynx numbers. Adapted to deep snow and cold climates, it is currently listed as Least Concern but is vulnerable to habitat fragmentation in the southern part of its range.