Blynx
A blynx is the hybrid offspring of a bobcat and a Canada lynx, two closely related species in the genus Lynx.
| Blynx | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Suborder: | Feliformia |
| Family: | Felidae |
| Subfamily: | Felinae |
| Genus: | Lynx |
| Species: | |
Reported bobcat/lynx hybrids
The first evidence of a blynx, based on genetic analysis, was reported from Minnesota.[1]
In August 2003, biologists in Maine captured a blynx and deemed it a sterile fluke of nature.[2] They released it with a tracking collar to observe its behavior; the collar was placed too tightly, however, and the blynx died of starvation.[2]
Soon after, another reported blynx was seen in Michigan, this one a female with a litter of kittens.[2] This disproved the theory that the blynx was a sterile hybrid like the mule.[2] Another female blynx gave birth in summer 2003 in Maine after being trapped that winter.[1]
Appearance
A blynx is a medium-sized cat with ears that curl back and are black-tipped like its Canada lynx parent. Its face more closely resembles that of its bobcat parent and it may or may not have spots. Like both parents, it has a very short tail or lacks one altogether.
References
- "Lynx-bobcat hybridization". Canada Lynx of the Great Lakes Region. University of Minnesota Duluth. 2005. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
- Jung, Jim (2003). "Blynx, the animal". WHTC Nature Almanac. Retrieved 4 March 2013.