Iberian Lynxes Observed Soaking Prey in Water for First Time Among Carnivores

In the Montes de Toledo mountain range of central Spain, camera traps have captured Iberian lynxes (Lynx pardinus) engaging in a unique behavior: soaking dead rabbits in water troughs, a first for carnivorous animals. This research, published in March in Ecology, documents eight occurrences from 2020 to 2025 involving five female lynxes: Naia, Luna, Ulcera, Ufana, and another. José Jiménez, the lead author from the Spanish National Research Council, has been studying these lynxes since 2014. On average, the soaking lasted about a minute, with the longest instance exceeding four minutes. The lynxes transported the prey afterward rather than consuming it right away. This behavior seems to be learned within family groups, as all observed lynxes shared territories or were related. Researchers suggest it may help hydrate cubs or soften meat for weaning. Experiments indicated that a soaked rabbit retained nearly 4% of its weight in water after 40 minutes. Once critically endangered with fewer than 100 individuals in 2002, the Iberian lynx population has risen to 2,401 by 2024. This behavior may also assist in adapting to climate change, as Toledo's average annual temperatures increased from 61.3°F to 63.5°F between 1994 and 2023. Wai-Ming Wong of Panthera described the finding as "genuinely surprising" and a sign of problem-solving abilities. This research underscores the cognitive complexity of wild felids and could influence future conservation efforts.