Ocelot
The Ocelot lives in most of Central and South America, and has even been found in Texas. Because of its size, the Ocelot can be mistaken for a domestic cat, but it remains a wild species. From 1972 to 1996, Ocelots were at high risk because of the demand for Ocelot furs. Now they are of least concern, due to the abundance of Ocelots and the lack of skinning.
Ocelots are usually 27 to 39 inches long, and 18 to 40 pounds. It is the largest of the Leopardus genus, which includes species that reside throughout Central and South America. Ocelots are solitary animals, and mark their territory with urine, like the majority of other feline species. They are mainly nocturnal animals, and hunt various small animals. The Ocelot will hunt small mammals, frogs, fish, lizards, birds, but rodents such as rabbits and opossums are the most common.
Ocelots have slightly spotted coats, and many markings on their faces. They have short fur, which aids them in hotter climates. Their tales are long and often have black bands or stripes. Ocelots don't have many predators, the main ones being Cougars and Jaguars.