by Michael
(London, UK)
People ask to see a Jaguarundi picture. Although there are decent pictures of this interesting looking species of small wildcat on the main page (Jaguarundi) this page has some supplemental pictures.
One of the best pictures comes from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. They have some special photographs of the wildcats generally, in fact.
Jaguarundi in the wild |
The Smithsonian say that although this individual cat has a near black cat, the color varies significantly. This picture was taken by a camera trap (camera operated by the cat moving in front of the camera and setting it off) in the Amazon rain forest.
The next jaguarundi picture is nice to. It was taken by jeanneconstantine (Flickr username) in Belize Zoo. Belize is in Central America. This cat was about to be fed and apparently making, “keck keck hiss sounds”, according to the photographer.
Jaguarundi at Belize Zoo |
Finally, in this short post on the Jaguarundi picture, I would like to present a head and shoulders close up. This shows the non-typical face/head shape of this cat and the massively ticked coat. Ticking is caused by the presence of the agouti gene.
Jaguarundi close up showing ticked coat- photo by Márcio Motta |
People in some parts of America that are positively hundreds and more miles outside the accepted range of this cat think they have sighted it. There are fairly frequent sightings. Are these escaped pet Jaguarundis that have survived in the wild in suitable habitats such as Florida?
It is quite possible that you did see a jaguarundi. The reports of sightings I read about are usually in Florida. This wild cat species is not meant to be present in America. It is possible that these are escaped cats from private collections. Would you mind telling me what state you are in?
P.S. I have just read your follow up comment saying you live in Florida. Well, that makes sense and makes it more likely that you have sighted a jaguarundi. Good sighting. Well done.