Fun Facts About Ocelots

The ocelot’s appearance is similar to that of the domestic cat. Its fur resembles that of a Clouded Leopard or Jaguar. These guys receive many names and some are: McKenney’s Wildcat, Jaguatirica, Jaguarete, Tigrillo, Cunaguaro, or Manigordo (in Costa Rica and Panama). It has a tawny to reddish brown coat marked with black spots and rosettes. The fur is short, and lighter beneath. There are two black lines on either side of its face and has a black-banded tail.

Studies suggest that it follows and finds prey via odor trails, but the ocelot also has very good vision, including night vision. The white rings around the ocelot’s eyes help to reflect extra light into the eye at night. Ocelots hunt over a range of 18 km2, taking mostly small animals like deer, various rodents, reptiles and amphibians lizards, turtles, frogs, crab, birds and fish.

Ocelots hunt over a range of 18 km2, taking mostly small animals like deer, various rodents, reptiles and amphibians lizards, turtles, frogs, crab, birds and fish. Almost all of the prey that the ocelot hunts is far smaller than itself. It can be up to 1 m long, plus 45 cm of tail length. Their average weigh is 25-35 pounds. Ocelots can live 8 to 11 years. The ocelot is mostly nocturnal and very territorial. It will fight fiercely, sometimes to the death, in territorial disputes. In addition, the ocelot marks its territory with especial urine.

Like most felines, it is solitary, usually meeting only to mate. However, during the day it rests in trees or other dense foliage, and will occasionally share its spot with another ocelot of the same sex. Also fter mating the female will find a den in a cave in a rocky bluff, a hollow tree, or a dense thicket. The gestation period is estimated to be 70 days. Generally the female will have 2-3 kittens. They are born in autumn with their eyes closed and a thin covering of hair.

Thousands of ocelots have been killed for their fur. The feline was classified a “vulnerable” endangered species from 1972 until. This wild cat is distributed over South and Central America and Mexico.

Marina K. Villatoro, has lived in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She’s traveled these parts extensively and now loves to organize vacations to these amazing parts of the world. With her first hand experience, she can recommend the best options for you. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!

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