Occurs in boreal and montane forests dominated by coniferous or mixed forests with thick undergrowth. May also forage in open forest, rocky areas, and tundra during periods of prey scarcity (auxiliary habitat). Den sites in mature or old growth stands with high density of logs. Requires a mosaic of habitat types, including old growth for denning and younger stands for foraging (Koehler 1990, Koehler and Brittell 1990). In a study conducted in Alaska, Canadian lynxes preferred hilly terrain 984 feet to 3,527 feet (300-1,075 m) in elevation (Berrie 1973).
Berrie, P. M. 1973. Ecology and status of the lynx in interior Alaska. In: R. L. Eaton, ed. The world’s cats: Vol. 1-Ecology and conservation. Winston, OR: World Wildlife Safari: 4-41.
Koehler, G. M. 1990. Population and habitat characteristics of lynx and snowshoe hares in north central Washington. Canadian Journal of Zoology 68:845-851.
Koehler, G. M. and J. D. Brittell. 1990. Managing spruce-fir habitat for lynx and snowshoe hares. Journal of Forestry 88: 10.