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When you think of cats, you may think of small furry pets that sit on your lap. Or meow when they want attention. But pet cats are part of a huge family of cats. Jaguars included.
Jaguars are powerful cats. They’re found in the forests of Central and South America. And sometimes in Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. Weighing in at 150–200 pounds, jaguars are the third-largest cat in the world. Only lions and tigers are bigger. Jaguars are strictly meat-eaters. Meals may include monkeys, deer, anteaters, and even large tortoises. Almost any animal they find in their surroundings.
◀ Jaguars have unique markings – rosettes, or rings, with one or more dots in the center. For their size, jaguars have the most powerful bite of the big cats. Their claws are so sharp they can use them to climb trees. Most jaguars live in rain forests. But some are also found in grasslands and scrublands.
Jaguars use trees to cool down and to hunt. They may find a meal in the tree itself. Or they may lie quietly on a branch, then suddenly drop down. They can use their strong jaws to crush the skull or spine of prey. Or even bite through a turtle’s shell. ▶
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▲ A newborn jaguar can’t see or hear. It doesn’t have the skills it needs to survive. The cub’s mother teaches it how to hunt, swim, and climb trees. The mother may even bring back wounded prey so the cub can learn how to turn the prey into a meal.
One out of ten jaguars has black fur. The fur has rosettes just like other jaguars, but they can be seen only in bright light.
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How are jaguars connected to the culture of Indigenous (Native) peoples?
Jaguars were sacred to many Indigenous (Native) cultures of Central and South America. And are widely represented in ancient pottery from that part of the world. Among the Maya of Central America, they were a symbol of royalty and spiritual power. Among the Inca of South America, they were a symbol of strength and protection.
