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Since the time of the Aztecs, ocelots have been hunted for their beautiful fur.
photo: Tom Gillespie
Characteristics: Ocelots are well known for their beautiful spotted fur. This small cat measures 40-55 inches from head to tail and typically weighs 20-40lbs. Like other cats, ocelots spend a great deal of time resting and sleeping.
Diet: Ocelots are carnivores that eat small mammals, reptiles and birds. Although ocelots can climb they hunt on the ground by chasing prey.
Reproduction: Females typically give birth to a litter of 1-2 kittens after a 3-4 month gestation period.
Environmental Connections: Ocelots in the United States historically inhabited areas of Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Arizona. Today only a small population exists on wildlife reserves in southern Texas. Ocelot populations can also be found throughout South America.
Since the time of the Aztecs, ocelots have been hunted for their beautiful fur. In recent history more than 200,000 ocelots were taken each year during the 1960’s and 1970’s. It is now illegal to hunt ocelot in the United States.
The greatest threat to ocelot populations in the United States is human encroachment. Loss of habitat has decreased thick vegetation that ocelot depend upon for cover. They are extremely wary of human interactions. Ocelots living in close proximity to humans hunt solely at night, while ocelots in remote areas hunt during the day and night. Many are killed in collisions with vehicles on dark roads.
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N.C. Zoo is a member institution of AZA and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr. Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. A part of the North Carolina Government portal.
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