Hunted nearly to extinction for their pelts and conversion of forest to agricultural land have contributed to decreased numbers of this species. Ocelots number an estimated 100-120 in Texas.
They are crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk) and have very large eyes for good night vision. They are excellent climbers, but prefer ground hunting. Ocelots have a very keen sense of smell and can follow trails of prey long after they have passed.
Ocelots spend the day resting in brush so thick that the only way a person can move through it is by crawling. They also spend time hanging out in the upper limbs of dense tree cover. In either case they are nearly impossible to spot.
Ocelots are territorial with home ranges of about 3 square miles. They mark their territories with excrement and scent and defend it against other ocelots.
Unlike most cats, the ocelot is a strong swimmer and will sit in running water to cool off.
Kittens are born blind but well furred. They begin hunting with their mother when they are about 3 months old. They stay with her until they are about a year old.
The ocelot at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center can be seen in the Overlook Area. |
