Jaguars are a large cat species that have tan, orange, and brown fur with large black rosettes on their bodies.

Most jaguars measure up to about 6 feet in length and can weigh over 200 pounds. Some of the largest males have been recorded to weigh up to 348 pounds! This makes this species of cat the largest in the Western Hemisphere, and the third largest cat species in the world!

Their long tails measure anywhere from 18 to 30 inches, helping with balance. 

Historically known to roam Argentina and Central America all the way up to southwestern United States, jaguars have lost much of their habitat by now. In the past 150 years, jaguars have lost about half of their territory from deforestation.

Now, they primarily live in Mexico, through Central and South America, and in Brazil. These cats prefer dense forests, wetlands, and dry grasslands and have been recorded at an elevation of 12,500 feet.

Jaguars are an obligate carnivore species, meaning they rely solely on meat to get their nutrients. They have quite a range in their diet, from capybaras, deer, and turtles, to caimans, and giant anteaters.

Studies have shown that jaguars eat at least 86 different species as they tend to eat anything they can, with prey weighing anywhere from 2 to over 200 pounds!

Jaguars have extremely strong jaws, which is what they use to kill their prey. 

Jaguars mate throughout the year and the females have a gestation period of around 3 months. The cubs are born helpless and with their eyes closed, but open them after 2 weeks.

The size of a litter can range from 1 to 4 cubs. Cubs leave the birth den in 6 months and stay with their mother for about 2 years.

Female jaguars are extremely territorial and defensive of their cubs, known to ward off any animals that come near, even the cubs’ father.

Jaguars tend to be nocturnal for the most part, but are active during the day as well.

The average lifespan of a jaguar is 12 to 15 years in the wild.

Jaguar populations are steadily declining, mostly due to habitat loss, poaching, being hit by cars, or being killed by livestock owners.