The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is one of four surviving species of the medium-sized wild cat genus Lynx, with a wide distribution ranging from Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe across Central Asia and Siberia to the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas. Although found in boreal and temperate forests up to 5,500 m (18,000 ft) in elevation.

There are 6 known subspecies of the Eurasian Lynx

Subspecies	Distribution
Northern lynx (L. l. lynx)	Fennoscandia, Baltic states, Poland, Belarus, European Russia, Ural Mountains, Western Siberia east to the Yenisei river.
Turkestan lynx (L. l. isabellinus)	Widespread from west in Central Asia, from South Asia to China and Mongolia.
Caucasian lynx (L. l. dinniki)	Caucasus, Iran, Turkey, and European Russia.
Siberian lynx (L. l. wrangeli)	Russian Far East, in the Stanovoy Range and east of the Yenisei River.
Balkan lynx (L. l. balcanicus)	Eastern Serbia and western North Macedonia, with smaller populations in Montenegro and Albania.
Carpathian lynx (L. l. carpathicus)	Carpathian Basin of Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

Hunting

Hunting the elusive lynx is an incredibly demanding and captivating endeavor. While it can be occasionally encountered during driven hunts for moose and boar, the most effective approach to ensure a successful hunt is by utilizing specially-trained Laika dogs. Our company offers thrilling lynx hunts in either the European North-West or Southern Siberia. The majestic Eurasian lynx, found in the vast Russian taiga forests, reigns as the grandest of its kind. Grown males have been known to surpass 30 kg (65 lbs) in weight.

The presence of snow cover is crucial for a fruitful expedition, as it facilitates tracking fresh trails. The optimal time to pursue lynx is in early winter when the snow cover is not excessively deep, allowing the dogs to move freely. In late winter, hunters may need to rely on snowmobiles and occasionally snowshoes. Once the dogs pick up a trail, it typically takes them just a few hours to tree a lynx. In cases where the lynx is treed in an area inaccessible by snowmobile, snowshoes can prove to be invaluable.

The Eurasian lynx is a primarily nocturnal and crepuscular hunter, spending daytime hours sleeping concealed in dense thickets. As a solitary adult, its hunting territory can span 20 to 450 km2 depending on local prey availability. Males generally occupy much larger territories than females, whose ranges tend to be exclusive without overlap. In a single night, the Eurasian lynx may travel up to 20 km, though about half that distance is more typical. Regular patrols and scent marks delineate its territory. Like other cats, these marks include feces, urine, and scrapes, often left prominently along territorial boundaries. Vocalizations are generally limited outside breeding season, consisting of mews, hisses, growls and purrs. Mating calls are louder, with males emitting deep growls and females loud meow-like sounds. Due to their quiet nature, Eurasian lynx can inhabit an area undetected for years, with prey remains or tracks in snow often the only signs of their presence.

Typically these hunts are not the primary focus of a hunting trip to Russia. However, coupled with bear, moose, wolves, and other game, you’re looking at the adventure of a lifetime with a one-of-a-kind trophy piece to peak the interest of the most seasoned safari hunter. And if you’re into hunting with dogs, this is an absolute must to see Laikas working on various game.

Hunting opportunities abound for this beautiful and sly animal across Eurasia in many countries.

Check out what hunts are available below in our hunting directory