The jaguarundi is one of the most mysterious wild cats in the Americas. It moves like an otter, looks a bit like a weasel, and makes bird-like sounds. Small, sleek, and secretive, this unusual member of the cat family once roamed the southern edges of Texas—but no one has confirmed a sighting since 1986. In the quiet corners of nature, some still wonder if this curious animal is hiding somewhere in the wildlife habitats of the Southwest.
The cat that doesn’t act like a cat
The jaguarundi is also known as the “otter cat” because of its long body, short legs, and smooth movement. With a flat head, small ears, and a tail nearly as long as its body, it looks nothing like your typical housecat. Adults weigh between 8 to 16 pounds and come in two main colors: rusty-red or gray-brown.
Unlike most cats, jaguarundis are active during the day. They can climb trees, swim across rivers, and leap with surprising agility. Their habitat ranges from rainforests to dry scrublands, showing just how adaptable they are in the wild.
A voice like no other
This cat’s call is famous among biologists. The jaguarundi can make around 13 different sounds—from chirps and yaps to growls and even a “wah-wah” call. Some of these noises resemble birds more than cats, which makes the animal even harder to spot in the dense brush it prefers.
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Vanished from the U.S.
While jaguarundis are still found in Mexico and throughout Central and South America, their presence in the United States has become a mystery. The last confirmed U.S. sighting was a road-killed individual in Texas back in 1986. Since then, people have reported seeing them occasionally—but none of those sightings have been verified.
Some believe a small “feral” population could exist in Florida, possibly descended from pets released in the 1940s. However, there’s no solid evidence to prove this theory.
The jaguarundi’s life in the wild
In their native range, jaguarundis are opportunistic hunters. Their diet includes rodents, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and even fish. They hunt quietly and alone, relying on stealth rather than speed. This makes them key players in the wildlife food web—keeping small animal populations balanced.
They prefer areas with thick vegetation, where they can hide and move unseen. These habitats often overlap with farms and towns, which sometimes leads to conflict. Farmers occasionally call them “nuisance animals” because they may raid chicken coops.
Why sightings are so rare
The jaguarundi’s secretive behavior makes it one of nature’s best hiders. It stays close to cover, moves silently, and avoids open spaces. Combined with their small size and uniform color, this makes them easy to overlook—even when they’re nearby.
Modern threats, however, may have pushed them even farther from sight. Habitat loss, deforestation, and roads cutting through their territories have reduced the places they can safely live.
Can they return to the U.S.?
Wildlife experts say it’s possible—but unlikely without help. Conservationists would need to protect suitable habitats, especially in South Texas, and create safe corridors that connect populations in Mexico. Reintroduction would require decades of careful planning.
What makes the jaguarundi special
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Unique calls: Their “yapping” and “chirping” are unlike any other cat.
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Daytime activity: They hunt in daylight, unlike most wild cats.
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Adaptability: From jungles to savannas, they can live almost anywhere.
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Important predators: They help control pests and small prey populations.
A creature of mystery and hope
Whether or not the jaguarundi still wanders American forests, its story reminds us how fragile and fascinating wildlife can be. These elusive cats live quietly, out of sight, carrying their strange song through the brush. Perhaps one day, someone will spot that “yapping” cat again—and we’ll know it never truly left.
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