Bobcats can be crossed with lynxes. The outcome depends on which lynx sub-species is used - the European (Spanish) Lynx is more heavily spotted than the Canadian lynx. Bobcats are usually reddish brown with dark spots, but grey or bluish bobcats and black bobcats are sometimes found. Lynxes vary from tawny with dark spots through to sandy with minimal spotting. Bobcat/lynx hybrids vary in appearance since southern sub-species of lynx are more heavily spotted than northern sub-species of lynx. Canadian Lynx have been crossed with Spanish Lynx - they are subspecies of the same animal.

In August 2003 research scientists confirmed the discovery of hybrids between wild Canada lynx and bobcats in the Moosehead region of Maine, USA. DNA analysis of hair and tissue samples of 2 suspected hybrids were tested at the USDA Forest Service's genetics laboratory in Missoula, Montana. Three hybrids were identified in northeastern Minnesota. These are the first confirmed hybrids outside of captivity. DNA studies showed that all were the result of matings between female lynx and male bobcats.

The two Moosehead hybrids more closely resembled bobcats with larger bodies and smaller feet, but had some physical features consistent with the lynx: long ear tufts and an almost completely black-tipped tail. The Canada lynx is a protected species in 14 US states constituting the southern part of its historic range. Bobcats and hybrid lynx-bobcats are not protected by these laws and hunters refer to the hybrids as "lynxcats" and describe them as "funny looking bobcats". Cryptozoologists have termed the hybrid a "blynx". All of the animals were investigated due to their resemblance to the lynx. Few bobcat samples from Maine had been analysed for signs of hybridisation, so the extent of hybridisation is not known.

The male lynx-bobcat hybrid was trapped in 1998, radio-collared and released. Dismissed as a fluke, it was found dead of starvation (possibly due to a badly fitted radio collar) several months later. The female hybrid was found held in a trap in 2002 in Michigan. Three kittens were observed near the trapped cat, proving the fertility of the hybrid. In feline hybrids, the females are generally fertile while the males may be sterile. In November 2003, a cat intermediate between bobcat and lynx (lynx-like, but with bobcat spots) was witnessed in Illinois, 500 miles from normal lynx territory and possibly an escaped pet.

Maine's bobcat populations has been increasing over the past 10 years; lynx were at the peak population in their natural cycle. The hybrids could be the result of high numbers causing the two species to move into each other's ranges or the result of human activity causing the two species to come into contact more often. Where a bobcat has ended up in lynx territory (or vice versa), the hybrid offspring will back-cross to purebred animals and the "alien" genes will simply be absorbed into the general population, swamped by the indigenous species' genes. It is also possible that lynx and bobcats have always interbred on occasions over the last 10,000 years, strengthening the genetic diversity of both species. Where the two species meet on overlapping ranges, there is the possibility of introgressive hybridisation leading to an intermediate form.

The other possibility is that some of the odd-looking cats are not hybrids, but are colour morphs of either bobcat or lynx (depending on the region). This creates the risk that if "blynx" are killeD indiscriminately, rare colour morphs of endangered lynx are being destroyed.

Above: Bobcat and Canadian Lynx together at Conservators Center, Inc (Photo: Mindy Stinner)

The 1997 LIOC cat census listed 3 hybrid cats of "Caracal/Lynx" type. However, purebred caracals are sometimes called "caracal lynxes" because of their tufted ears so these were probably not genuine hybrids. No such hybrids were reported on the 1998 survey, suggesting the earlier identification was an error based on terminology.

SERVAL/LYNX HYBRIDS

The Orlando Sentinel in 2004 reported Jana Londre of Boca Raton as having owned a caracal and a lynx-serval hybrid since 1992.

BOBCAT/OCELOT HYBRIDS

I have been asked if there are known bobcat/ocelot hybrids following the sighting of a bobcat-like animal with blotched markings. These have adjoining ranges which overlap in Mexico and the southern USA. A hybrid is unlikely as they prefer different habitats and have different lifestyles. Bobcats inhabits woodland, scrub, semi-desert and swampland. Ocelots prefer denser cover and are more arboreal.

Their sizes are similar. Bobcats average 36 inches (90 cm) long including tail; 14 -15 inches (36-38 cm) at the shoulders and weigh 16-30 pounds (7-14 kg). Ocelots can reach 38 inches (100 cm) excluding tail and weigh 20-33 pounds (10-15 kg). Spotted subspecies of bobcat occur and this is the most likely explanation, rather than a hybrid. Retained juvenile spotting is also possible. I have found no confirmed reports of hybrids between these 2 species.

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

For more information on the genetics of colour and pattern:
Robinson's Genetics for Cat Breeders & Veterinarians 4^th Ed (the current version)

For more information on genetics, inheritance and gene pools see:
The Pros and Cons of Inbreeding
The Pros and Cons of Cloning

For more information on anomalous colour and pattern forms in big cats see
Karl Shuker's "Mystery Cats of the World" (Robert Hale: London, 1989 - some of the genetics content is outdated)