Geographic
range: Nearctic, Neotropical: Found from S Canada to S Mexico,
Oacaxa state.
Physical characteristics: Smaller
than puma and jaguar, but still a large cat. Adults reach lengths
of up to 120 cm. Tail is short (20 cm). Body color brownish, buff
or grayish. Back of ears and tip of the tail are black. Rufs on the
side of the head similar to "sideburns". Food
habits: Carnivorous. Predators, stalk their prey and kill
with a bite. Typical pray includes rodents, rabbits, small ungulates,
large ground birds, and sometimes reptiles, occasionally domestic
animals and poultry.
Reproduction: Gestation period 60-70
days. Typical litter 3. Breeding season is dependent on location.
Offspring is taken care of only by the mother.
Behavior: Terrestrial. Usually rests
during the day and is active at dusk and night. Solitary - with the
exception of mating season and temporary mother - offspring bond.
Habitat: Variety of mostly temperate
climates, but shows great flexibility in habitat preferences. Coniferous
forest to xeric scrub.
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