Wildcats live in habitats all around us.
Are there really jaguars in the U.S.?
Don’t worry, humans are not on the menu of wildcats in North America.
In this article we will uncover the following:
Wildcats in North America
Are there "big cats" in the U.S.?
What wildcats are found in the U.S.?
Are wildcats in North America endangered?
Wild Cats in North America
North America is home to six different native species of wildcats. The species of wildcats found in North America are the following:
Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
Canadian Lynx (Lynx canadensis)
Puma/Mountain Lion/Cougar (Felis concolor or Puma concolor)
Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi)
Wildcats are mammals and are carnivores. The only wild “big cat” found in North America is the majestic Jaguar. Despite puma’s being the world’s fourth largest cat, it is not considered a “big cat”. The term “big cat” refers to cats that can roar.
Are There Big Cats in the U.S.?
Jaguars are the only species of “big cats” that are native to the U.S. Jaguars are extremely endangered in the U.S. There is an estimated 200 living jaguars ranging from the Southern United States of Arizona and New Mexico to the Mexican State of Sonora.
Jaguars once ranged throughout the United States with records of fossils from as far as Washington state down to Florida. Habitat loss and hunting are the cause of the steep decline in Jaguars in the United States. The last spotting of a Jaguar in the United States was in 2021 near the U.S. Mexico border.
What Wildcats are Found in the U.S.
Of the six species of wildcats mentioned, four species are found in the United States. The species of wildcats found are the following:
Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
Canadian Lynx (Lynx canadensis)
Puma/Mountain Lion/Cougar (Felis concolor or Puma concolor)
Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Wildcats are skillful hunters that stalk their prey using stealth and quickness. Wildcats will kill and eat mainly anything it can catch. However, their main prey are small mammals and birds.
Are Wild Cats in North America Endangered?
Of the six species of wildcats that are mentioned, three species are considered threatened or endangered. The wild cat species are the following:
Puma (Threatened)
Jaguar (Endangered)
Ocelot (Endangered)
Habitat loss, human activity, and climate change are always the culprit when it comes to decreasing wildlife populations. To learn more about each species of wildcat in north America there will be a link attached to each name below.
Bobcats are medium-sized wildcats native to North America, known for their distinctive spotted fur, short tail, and tufted ears. They are skilled hunters and prey on a variety of small animals, including rodents, rabbits, and birds. Bobcats are solitary animals and are most active during the night, although they may also be active during the day. They are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and suburban areas. While they are not typically a threat to humans, bobcats may become more aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Despite being hunted for their fur in the past, bobcat populations have generally been stable in recent years.
Ocelots are medium-sized wildcats found primarily in South and Central America, although they also range into some parts of Mexico and the southern United States. They have a distinctive coat pattern of black spots and stripes on a tawny background, making them highly recognizable in their natural habitat. Ocelots are skilled hunters, preying on a variety of small animals including rodents, birds, and reptiles. They are primarily nocturnal and solitary, although some studies have shown they may have some limited social interactions with other ocelots. Ocelots are threatened by habitat loss, hunting for their fur, and the pet trade, and their populations have declined in many parts of their range. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect ocelots and their habitats.
The Canada lynx is a medium-sized wildcat native to the boreal forests of North America, including Alaska, Canada, and parts of the northern United States. They have distinctive ear tufts, a stubby tail, and large paws that are adapted for hunting in deep snow. Canada lynx primarily prey on snowshoe hares, but will also hunt other small mammals such as rodents and birds. They are solitary animals and are most active during the night. Due to their reliance on boreal forest habitat and prey species, Canada lynx populations have been affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as changes in climate patterns affecting snow cover. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect Canada lynx populations and their habitats.
Pumas, also known as mountain lions or cougars, are large wildcats found throughout much of the Americas, from Canada to South America. They have a sleek and powerful build, with short fur that can range in color from tan to grayish-brown. Pumas are opportunistic hunters and will prey on a variety of animals, including deer, rabbits, and rodents. They are solitary and territorial animals, with males having larger territories than females. Pumas are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and mountains. While they may occasionally come into conflict with humans, pumas are generally shy and avoid contact with people. Puma populations have declined in many areas due to habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities, and conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent animals.
Jaguars are the largest wildcats found in the Americas, and are known for their striking pattern of spots arranged in a distinctive rosette shape. They are found primarily in Central and South America, but historically ranged throughout the United States. Jaguars are apex predators, and are known to prey on a variety of animals including deer, peccaries, and monkeys. They are solitary and territorial animals, and are most active during the night. Jaguars are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, grasslands, and wetlands. However, they are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities, and their populations have declined in many areas. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect jaguars and their habitats, and to prevent them from disappearing from the wild.
The jaguarundi is a small wildcat found primarily in Central and South America, as well as parts of Mexico and the southern United States. They have a long and slender body, with short fur that can range in color from brown to grayish-black. Jaguarundis are primarily diurnal, or active during the day, and are skilled hunters that prey on a variety of small animals such as rodents, birds, and reptiles. They are solitary animals, but may sometimes be seen in pairs or small family groups. Jaguarundis are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. While they are not currently considered threatened, their populations may be affected by habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities.
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