Welcome to the jungle
The Jaguar
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Size and AppearanceThe Jaguar, which is categorized in the Panthera genus, is this only Panthera species found in the Americas. It is also the largest cat species in the Americas. The Jaguar has a compact body, a broad head, and powerful jaw. Their coat is normally yellow and tan, but the colour can vary from reddish brown to black. They are covered in large black spots all over their body. Adult male Jaguars can grow to seven feet long, and weigh approximately 150-200 pounds.
Hunting and dietJaguars are solitary animals that live and hunt along. When hunting, males will travel anywhere between 19-53 square miles. They hunt mostly on the ground but occasionally, Jaguars will climb trees and pounce on their prey from above. Jaguars have powerful jaws and extremely sharp teeth. This helps them kill their prey with one crushing bight to the skull. Jaguars are mainly active during dawn and dusk times. Jaguars are top level carnivores that eat deer, peccary, crocodiles, snakes, monkeys, sloths, turtles, eggs, frogs, fish, and anything else they can catch.
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Reproduction and offspringThe Jaguar will mate at any time throughout the year. A female Jaguar will give birth to 2-4 cubs in her life time. She will protect her young until they are around one year old, but she will stay with them for around two years.
habitatThe Jaguar is commonly found in rain forests and swamps, but towards the northern end it may even enter deserts. The Jaguar can be found primarily in South America in Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, United States and Venezuela They have a large stronghold near the Amazon Basin. They are typically found near water sources because they often swim, bather, play, and hunt in the water.
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