What is an ocelot?

Answer 1

The Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), also known as the Painted Leopard, McNenney's Wildcat or Manigordo (in Costa Rica), is a wild cat distributed over South and Central America and Mexico, but has been reported as far north as Texas and in Trinidad, in the Caribbean. It can be up to 100 cm (3'2") in length, plus 45 cm (1'6") tail length, and weighs 10-15 kg (about 20-33 pounds), making it the largest of the generally dainty Leopardus wild cat genus. While similar in appearance to the Oncilla and the Margay, which inhabit the same region, the Ocelot is larger and they are the best type of wild cat ever! The Ocelot The ocelot is an endangered cat. It ranges from Central America to Texas. It resembles a house cat although it is slightly larger and has the paten of clouded leopard, which used to be very valuable fur for coats which is why they are endangered. Can grow to 1.45 m. in length including the tail. It weighs 25-35 pounds. The ocelot has the lowest body temperature of all cats. It has short fur that is light brown, white, dark brown, and has black markings. The ocelot lives longer in captivity than out free. When it is ready to have babies it will find a den in a hallow tree or a cave or a thicket with thorns. The ocelot has 2-3 kittens at a time and they are born with there eyes closed. The kittens are born in the autumn with only a thin layer of fur, the kittens are helpless. Ocelots are very territorial and will fight to the death some times. How ever they some times allow another ocelot of the same sex to sleep on there territory. The ocelot hunts mostly at night and its pray include: small deer, rabbits, rodents, reptiles and when available, fish. Unlike most cats the ocelot can swim and fish.