Ocelot
Ocelots are nocturnal cats native to Central and South America and some parts of the Southern United States. The Ocelot's dappled coat, similar to that of a jaguar or clouded leopard, was once a prized trading pelt, causing the Ocelot to be listed as an endangered species.
Fast Facts:
- Latin name: Leoaprdis pardalis
- Weight: 24-35 pounds
- Height: 28-32 inches
- Length: Up to five feet, including tail
- Life span: 7-10 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity
- Also known as: McKenney's Wildcat and Manigordo
- Diet: Small mammals, amphibians and reptiles, birds and fish
- Salvador Dali had a pet ocelot
Behavior and Habitat
With the exception of nursing mothers, Ocelots live generally solitary lives, although their territories may overlap slightly. They seem to prefer habitats that provide at least a moderate level of cover and appear fairly tolerant of humans, often living near villages or other settlements. Ocelots spend the majority of their time on the forest floor, but sleep and occasionally hunt in low-lying tree branches. Unlike many cats, ocelots are not averse to water and have been observed swimming and hunting for fish and crabs.
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