Photograph by Annie Griffiths Belt - 28 to 35 in (70 to 90 cm) -
24 to 35 lbs (11 to 16 kg) - Protection status: - 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 i