Unlike the caribou, the lynx lives in the taiga all year. It is recognized by its pointed ears, tufted cheeks and its short tail. Although they are strongly protected in most countries, the lynx are becoming scarce or extinct. Breeding normally starts in the spring and a litter of 2 or 3 lynx babies are born. Lynx prey are ground-living birds, young deer, rodents and hares. The lynx stalks its prey on the ground or it lies in wait for it in low vegetation.