In comparison with the Canadian lynx, the bobcat is generally smaller (26-36" and 20-30 lbs.) and although it shares many of the common lynx characteristics, it can be differentiated from the lynx in a number of ways. The bobcat has smaller paws, and less pronounced tufts on its ears and cheeks.  The bobcat is generally more patterned and varied coat coloration.  Like the lynx, the bobcat prefer snowshoe hare.  However, while the Lynx feed almost solely on hare, the bobcat will also pursue squirrels, mice, birds, deer, porcupines, other small mammals, reptiles, and even its own predators:  the fisher and coyote., 

Minnesota has about 2000 bobcat, and about 200 are trapped annually by licensed trappers.  While more prevalent and less secretive than its genus brother, the lynx, it is still rare sight to spot a bobcat.