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Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

This small, beautifully marked jungle cat is also known as a “Dwarf Leopard” even though its name “Ocelot” actually means Jaguar in most indigenous jungle languages. Found extensively in South America, Central America and Mexico as well as the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Margarita, there have also been sightings as far north as Texas with regular sightings along the border between Mexico and Texas. Similar in size and movement to a common house cat it’s fur was once highly sought after by furriers and they were killed by the tens of thousands to the extent that they were nearly eradicated. Now somewhat protected their numbers have rebounded and they are flourishing. Ocelots are strongly nocturnal, resting in trees or dense brush during the day. When hunting the Ocelots are very active, traveling from one to five miles per night.