6 Wild Cat Species Found in North America

6 Wild Cat Species Found in North America (Image: Canva)

Wild cats are making amazing comebacks in parts of North America where they haven't been seen in decades. Even though after years of hunting, these predators are back, maintaining balance in the environment. Here is a list of the six wild cat species:

Bobcat
The bobcat is likely the most geographically distributed wildcat in the United States. Bobcats are agile and opportunistic, and prey on rabbits and birds. The recognisable short "bobbed" tail and tufted ears help it survive in forests, deserts, and even suburban environments.

Canadian Lynx
The Canadian Lynx is a medium-sized wild cat and is one of the four living species in the genus Lynx. Ideally suited for cold northern woodlands. Their large snowshoe paws, long dense fur and curvy triangular ears with black tufts at the tips give them a unique and fascinating look.

Cougar
Cougar, a native American species, is also popularly known as Puma or mountain lion. Being a largely solitary mammal, they are most widely distributed around various parts of the USA. With erect ears, powerful forequarters, they are dominant and skilled hunters.

Jaguar
Commonly found in the southern parts of America, these large cats are now also seen the North America. They are the third-largest cats in the world, largely popular for their incredible strength and huge, powerful bites, tight enough to crush bones.

Ocelot
One of nine species in the genus Leopardus, the mammal was once found in South America and is now located in part of Texas. It comes out mostly at night and feeds on birds, small mammals and reptiles. Once kept as a pet, the mammal's fur makes it identifiable and exquisite.

Jaguarundi
The Jaguarundi is also known as the "otter cat", due to its thin body and short legs, it look more like an otter. It is a medium-sized native American cat with a narrow head, a short snout, round ears and a long tail resembling that of a normal cat but twice in size.

These six wild cats are indicative of the ecological diversity of North America. Conservation is still essential to secure these legendary predators roaming freely in the vast wilderness of the continent.