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Range and Habitat: Alaska, Canada and northern part of
the U.S.; heavy dense forests and woodlands.
Habits and Adaptations: Population tends to be cyclical,
tied to the snowshoe hare and grouse cycle; basically nocturnal,
but may be seen during the day if very hungry; leaves very few
signs and may inhabit an area for a long time unknown to humans;
moves well on snow because of its broad furred feet that act as
snowshoes; solitary, except for family groups of mother and young;
makes many of the basic cat noises; well- developed sight; prefers
to sleep or rest in the open where it has a vantage point; expert
tree climbers and swimmers.
Diet: Carnivore, with diet consisting of snowshoe hares
(90%), grouse, squirrels, red fox; seems to prefer fresh meat.
Breeding and Maturation: Mating takes place in January
or February; gestation is 62 days; 1-4 cubs born with eyes closed;
eyes open in 9-10 days; cubs' pelage is more brownish than adults,
with streaks or blotches which disappear at about 9 months when
they acquire adult pelage; one litter per year; young mature at
1 year; cubs are kept in a den (hollow tree, log, etc.); dens
are generally only used while with young.
Miscellaneous: No natural enemies other than man; trapped
for its fur; not common in Minnesota; migrates from Canada.
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