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| Ocelot |
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The Ocelot looks very similar to a domestic cat, but unlike most house cats it may grow to 4 feet long with an additional 1 1/2 feet on its tail. The Ocelot's fur shows off an ornate pattern of spots and stripes that distinguish it from other wild cats. In fact, it is said that no two Ocelots have the same pattern of spots! After relaxing in the trees for hours each day, these agile cats hunt for dinner in the dark. The Ocelot lives in the wild, in South and Central America among the forests and grassy plains. At one time, they numerously roamed the southwestern areas of North America, such as Arizona and Texas, which is why even today this beautiful animal is called the "Texas Ocelot". However, deforestation and the fur trade have contributed to its near disappearance. The Ocelot is classified by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species* as "Endangered" with a "very high risk of extinction…" and has a "…population estimated to number less than 250 mature individuals". ** The fur of the Ocelot is stunning to see, especially when it covers a large enough area to fully view and admire the striped and spotted patterns. |