bobolynx

rare, curious hybrid


By MEREDITH GOAD, Portland Press Herald Writer

The mating of a bobcat, like the one above, and a lynx, below, was first scientifically documented in Minnesota in June. Experts are unsure of the impact on conservation.

Is it a bobolynx? Or maybe it's a blynx.

Although there's no consensus on what to call it, recent genetic tests have confirmed the presence of a hybrid cat in the Maine woods - a cross between a bobcat and a Canada lynx.

The discovery that two bobcat-like animals - one female, one male - trapped in Maine were actually lynx-bobcat hybrids marks just the second confirmed time the confusing creatures have been found anywhere.

Even more interesting to biologists is the fact that the female hybrid had three kittens with her, which means the animals are able to reproduce, something that not all hybrids can do.

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I thought this was interesting. I didn't know the two species could breed.

It shows how close the two species really are. good find.