A Look At Jaguarundis

Have you ever heard of the jaguarundi?

These strange-looking cats are a Texas native although their current status remains controversial. In this latest in a series of the black panther phenomenon, TF&G Editor-In-Chief Chester Moore takes a look at this unique cat.

From TPWD

Jaguarundis is slightly larger than a domestic cat, weighing 8 – 16 pounds. Their coat is a solid color; either rusty-brown or charcoal gray.Life HistoryJaguarundis move in a quick weasel-like manner. They eat birds, rabbits, and small rodents, hunting during early morning and evening.

Although Jaguarundis hunt mostly on the ground, they also climb trees easily and have been seen springing into the air to capture prey. Historical accounts from Mexico suggest that Jaguarundis are also good swimmers and enter the water freely. They are solitary (live alone) except during the mating season of November and December. Jaguarundis are active mainly at night, but also move around during the day, often going to water to drink at midday. They live 16 to 22 years in captivity.

Jaguarundis are endangered because the dense brush that provides habitat has been cleared for farming or for the growth of cities. Jaguarundis still exist in Mexico, but are extinct in Texas. The last confirmed sighting of a jaguarundi in Texas was in Brownsville in 1986. People in the Lower Rio Grande Valley are working together to plant native shrubs and restore habitat for the Jaguarundi, Ocelot, migrating songbirds, and other animals.

Learn more here.