So, you think a lynx can't catch a cottontail, or pheasant! I've seen house cats do that, so why would a lynx not be able to do it, and there for live where it has ample cover and ample food, even though the food source isn't snow shoe. There's no doubt that the lynx will eat more than just snowshoe rabbits.
Mtn. lions are being found in places that don't have mule deer, but historically, they live in mtns. and mule deer is thier main course! So, how can that be? Could it be that they are adabtable toother land scapes and food sources?
Look at elk, for another example. They used to live in the plains, BUTnow you see very very few any where except the mountains!