THE EUROPEAN LYNX.
The European Lynx is well known in the great forests of Northern Europe and in Asia; it is also found in some of the Alps and Pyrenees, as well as in the Sierras of Spain. This animal measures from thirty to thirty-six inches, not including the tail, which is four inches long. The upper parts of its body are of a bright red color, with small brown spots, while the under parts are white. On each side of its face it has an addition of white hairs, which resemble whiskers.
The name of “Loup-cervier” sometimes given to it, probably originated from its howling like a Wolf during the night. It nimbly climbs trees in pursuit of prey. Martens, Ermines, Hares and Rabbits are its favorite food. It does not, however, eat the flesh of larger victims, unless its hunger is extreme; but generally is satisfied by sucking out the brain.
Taken young, it becomes accustomed to captivity, and is fond of being caressed, but it will return to its wild life if opportunity offers, so really never becomes attached to its master. It is an extremely cleanly animal, and, like the Cat, passes a large portion of its time in washing and cleansing its fur.
The European Lynx is not much smaller than the Wolf, and is said to be rather shy than bold, never attacking Man except in self-defence, and using his claws as his principal weapons. This animal frequents mountainous and thickly-wooded districts, and confines himself to a limited hunting ground, not hunting in a pack, but usually in pairs, the mother being frequently followed by her young ones. The Lynx usually reposes during the day in such a position as to perceive either the approach of danger or of prey, going forth at twilight or early dawn to seek for food. Mr. Lloyd tells us that if the Lynx fails in his spring, he does not pursue his prey to any great distance, but slinks back to his retreat, in proof whereof he relates the following anecdote: “Some years ago, while a peasant was occupied with agricultural labors in the spring, he observed that some Sheep feeding in the distance shied when passing near a boulder on the hill-side. Inclination for the green grass, however, having at length got the better of their fears, they once more approached the spot, when out dashed a large Lynx from his ambush, and made several bounds towards them; but as the poor creatures had the start of him, they were so fortunate as to escape his clutches. Seeing that his efforts were fruitless, the beast now turned about and retreated to his hiding place, which the peasant observing, he hastened home for his gun, and stealthily approaching the spot, shot him while in his lair.”