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Ocelot
Apr 30, 2009 17:03:01 GMT -5
Post by Revenge on Apr 30, 2009 17:03:01 GMT -5
Ocelots
What Are They?: The ocelot is a reddish-brown cat with a light-colored belly and spots in a distinctive chain-link rosette pattern. It lives in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, swamps and forests, from the southern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. Ocelots were once hunted to near extinction, but numbers have recently increased in some populations. Today, the primary threat is loss of habitat.
DID YOU KNOW?
No Alarm Clock: They are somewhat nocturnal although they do sometimes hunt during the day.
Like a Dog: The ocelot sleeps lying down with its forepaws stretched out in front and its head resting on them, much in the same way that a dog does. It is the only small cat that sleeps in this manner.
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Ocelot
Apr 30, 2009 17:04:56 GMT -5
Post by Revenge on Apr 30, 2009 17:04:56 GMT -5
The Ocelot
Ocelot Profile
Twice the size of the average housecat, the ocelot is a sleek animal with a gorgeous dappled coat. These largely nocturnal cats use keen sight and hearing to hunt rabbits, rodents, iguanas, fish, and frogs. They also take to the trees and stalk monkeys or birds. Unlike many cats, they do not avoid water and can swim well.
Like other cats, ocelots are adapted for eating meat. They have pointed fangs used to deliver a killing bite, and sharp back teeth that can tear food like scissors. Ocelots do not have teeth appropriate for chewing, so they tear their food to pieces and swallow it whole. Their raspy tongues can clean a bone of every last tasty morsel.
Many ocelots live under the leafy canopies of South American rain forests, but they also inhabit brushlands and can be found as far north as Texas. These cats can adapt to human habitats and are sometimes found in the vicinity of villages or other settlements.
Ocelots' fine fur has made them the target of countless hunters, and in many areas they are quite rare, including Texas, where they are endangered. Ocelots are protected in the United States and most other countries where they live.
Female ocelots have litters of two or three darkly colored kittens. In northern locations females den in the autumn, while in tropical climes the breeding season may not be fixed.
Ocelot Range (In the yellow)
Fast Facts
Type: Mammal
Diet: Carnivore
Size: 28 to 35 in (70 to 90 cm)
Weight: 24 to 35 lbs (11 to 16 kg)
Protection status: Endangered
Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man
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Ocelot
Apr 30, 2009 17:05:17 GMT -5
Post by Revenge on Apr 30, 2009 17:05:17 GMT -5
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