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Identifying Rare Mammals
On this page:
- Canada Lynx
- Lynx vs. Bobcat: Know the Difference
- Large Coyotes
- Large Extirpated Mammals
- New England Cottontail Rabbits
Canada Lynx
Canada lynx are a federally listed Threatened Species and protected statewide but are typically found in northern and western Maine (shaded in gray in the map). Although there is no open trapping or hunting season of lynx in Maine, a lynx may be accidentally caught in a trap. Not only is it illegal to shoot an animal in someone's trap, but it is also a violation of state & federal law to shoot a lynx. If you observe a lynx in a trap, please report it as soon as possible by calling the Lynx Hotline at 207-592-4734.
Lynx vs. Bobcat: Know the Difference
Bobcats are similar in appearance to Canada lynx and are a legal furbearer in Maine that can be harvested during the open trapping and hunting season for bobcats. Although bobcats and lynx have some similarities, there are some distinguishing characteristics to help you identify your target.
Canada lynx
- Longer ear tufts (1" or longer)
- Longer facial ruff
- Shorter and completely black-tipped tail
- Large and well-furred feet (>3" track)
- Uniform coat color
Bobcat
- Shorter ear tufts (absent to 1")
- Shorter facial ruff – more round face
- Tail black-tipped on top and white underneath
- Smaller feet (2" track)
- Less-uniform coat (white underbelly, spotted)
Large Coyotes
Although relatively uncommon in Maine, the Department occasionally receives reports of large coyotes (50+ pounds). If you encounter a coyote that is over five feet in total length (tip of the nose to the tip of the tail) and/or weighs over 50 pounds, please contact the Department at (207) 287-5229.
Large Extirpated Mammals
Each year, the Department receives and investigates reports of possible wolf and cougar (mountain lion) sightings. Although wolves were extirpated in Maine by the late 1800s and the last cougar in Maine was killed in 1938, occasionally wolves have been observed near Maine and a cougar was struck and killed by a car in Connecticut in 2011. If you believe you have seen one of these rare mammals, take photos and contact the Department at (207) 287-5229.
New England Cottontail Rabbits
If you are trapping in southern Maine, MDIFW would like to know if you accidentally trap or see New England cottontail rabbits. Cottontail rabbits are smaller than snowshoe hare, have hind feet less than 4 inches in length, and do not turn white in the winter. Their coat remains brown all year round. Please let us know about any rabbits you see. This is Maine's only native rabbit and MDIFW is actively trying to restore its population. Identifying new areas where the rabbit occurs could greatly benefit restoration efforts. Please let us know about any rabbits you see by contacting MDIFW Small Mammal Biologist Cory Stearns at (207) 592-1782. New England cottentail rabbit sightings should be reported online.