I recently decided to research ocelots, and I thought I might share what I found with you. I hope you enjoy this, and happy weekend!
Ocelots
How They Look
Ocelots are small compared to most wildcats, about twice the size of an average house cat. They have lithe, muscular bodies, and slightly wedge-shaped faces. Unlike the Jaguar’s individual spots, the Ocelot’s spots often run together for a slightly stripy pattern. It helps them to camouflage so they can catch their prey. Ocelots have pink noses and round, golden-brown to dark brown eyes. Kits are born with spots, but have grey coats. They are also born with blue eyes, which turn brown at three months of age.
What They Eat
Ocelots are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. Thus, they will do most, if not all, of their hunting at night!
Ocelots will eat a variety of different animals, such as rabbits, rodents, iguanas and other reptiles, fish, frogs, monkeys, birds, and, in some places such as the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, will occasionally eat animals as large as the Javelina. (A large, hairy, pig-like animal.) Instead of chewing their food, Ocelots tear their food in pieces and swallow the pieces whole. It has a raspy tongue to clean every last morsel of meat off of the bone.
Where Do They Live?
Ocelots can be found in the upper half of South America, Central America, and the bottom of North America, going as far as Texas. They can also adapt to human areas and can be found in the near or even in places inhabited by humans. They live in both desert and jungle habitats.
Other Facts
In many areas, Ocelots are prey to animals such as: Harpy Eagles, Pumas, Jaguars, and Anacondas.
Their paw prints are about two inches long.
Ocelot families consist of a mom and one or two kits.
Kits leave their mother at about three months to go establish their own territory.
Ocelots have very sharp eyesight and hearing that helps them hunt.
Conclusion
I hope this has helped you learn more about Ocelots, and I encourage you to explore and learn more about these amazing and beautiful animals. Have fun, and remember: You are never too old or too young to learn more!
Source of Information: Source of Photos:
National Geographic National Geographic
Wild Kratts Ocelot Episode Wikipedia
- Lili
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