NATURAL HISTORY

Ocelots are cats that are found in the wild. They are two to three times bigger than a house cat. They live in the forests and brushy areas in North, Central, and South America. In the United States, they can be found only in the state of Texas. They are known for their beautiful fur with its spots, lines and circles. They are shy and only come out to hunt and explore at night.

Why spots?

The ocelots’ spotted coat helps them to hide in the forest.

Eat and be Eaten

What do I eat? Ocelots are very good hunters. They eat small animals such as rabbits, mice, lizards, fish, birds, crabs, and frogs. What eats me? Ocelots have to be very careful. They hunted by large snakes, bigger cats, and big eagles.

My View of the World

Ocelots have good hearing, good vision, and a great sense of smell. They are also good climbers, jumpers, and swimmers.

My home

Ocelots can be found in the forests and bushy areas. They like areas that have plants and trees they can hide in and walk under. They also like to be close to water so they can drink and fish. They don’t like to be out in the open.  Ocelots share their home with many other kinds of animals. They don’t share very well with other ocelots. Males and females have their own home area that they stay in. Males can go into the home areas of different females but they stay out of the home areas of other males.

Seriously? (Fun Facts)

• An ocelots’ tail can be one-third the length of its body. • Ocelots start teaching their kittens to hunt when they are three months old. • Ocelots are born with their eyes closed. They open them when they are two weeks old.