Ocelot

Ocelots are small cats with golden fur splotched with a variety of patterns: dark spots which sometimes form chains cover most of their bodies, but they also have stripes on their cheeks and head. Their bellies are usually white or cream, and their eyes are surrounded by white fur. Ocelots range from southern Texas into northern Argentina, and are the second largest cats in South America. They prefer territories with thick vegetation and are primarily active between dawn and dusk. They spend the day sleeping in hidden areas – bushes, tree branches, or hollow trees are their preferences. The territory of a male ocelot will usually overlap with the territories of several females. Ocelots are strong swimmers, climbers, and jumpers, and sometimes take prey to high places to eat.