The Canada lynx is like a grey ghost of the North—elusive, evading human contact. It stands about 20 inches (51 centimetres) tall at the shoulder but weighs about 20 pounds (nine kilograms)—scarcely more than a large house cat. It is readily recognized by its long, black ear tufts; short, black-tipped tail; and large, rounded feet with furry pads, which allow it to walk on the snow’s surface.