Main Content
The ocelot has dappled fur that serves as camouflage in the jungles of South and Central America.
Photograph by Annie Griffiths Belt
Map
Ocelot Range
Audio
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:
-
Twice the size of the average house cat, 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.
Mammal Features
-
In Hot Pursuit
They’re rarely seen. Even less often photographed. Bryde’s whales rocket through Pacific shallows to gorge on fish. Dive in for more.
-
Amazon Dolphins
Amazon dolphins bear little resemblance to our beloved Flipper. How'd they get to the Amazon—and why are the males pink?
-
Lions Quiz
The king of cats rules with a roar and a fierce bite. What else do you know about this top predator?
-
Isn't She Lovely
From across the vast and parched Arabian Peninsula, camels converge on Abu Dhabi for an annual beauty contest. Here the traditional beast of burden becomes a pampered show animal.
-
My Shot Dogs Infinite Photograph
Explore this photo mosaic made up of hundreds of My Shot Dogs entries. Keep clicking—and dive deeper into the Infinite Photograph.
This requires the latest version of Flash Player. Click here to download.Advertisement
Special Ad Section
-
Audio Slideshow
Take a photographic journey through Montana and hear Annie Griffiths Belt's narrative.
-
Adventure Videos
Check out adventure videos and go "Behind the Lens."
Shop Animals and Nature
-
Animal & Nature DVDs
Shop our store for a wide collection of animal, wildlife, and nature DVDs.
-
2010 Animal & Nature Calendars
Featuring stunning National Geographic photography, calendars make great gifts.
Blogs
-
NatGeo NewsWatch
Keep current on developments in science, nature, and cultures.
-
Dog Whisperer
Get the inside story as Cesar Millan helps problem dogs and their owners.
-
BlogWild
National Geographic explorers share tales (and photos) of their adventures.
