The Ocelot
Meet the Ocelot: Costa Rica’s Spotted Night Hunter
The ocelot is one of Costa Rica’s most striking wild cats, known for its golden coat patterned with dark rosettes and stripes. Slightly larger than a house cat but far more powerful, this elusive predator prowls the forest at night with quiet precision. Ocelots are agile, adaptable, and play an important role in keeping the balance of the ecosystem.
Key Facts
Size: 55–100 cm (22–39 inches) in body length, with a tail about one third the size of the body
Weight: 8–15 kg (18–33 pounds)
Lifespan: 10–13 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
Diet: Small mammals, reptiles, birds, and sometimes fish or crabs
Activity: Primarily nocturnal and solitary
Cool Facts About Ocelots
Ocelots are sometimes called the “mini jaguar” because of their spotted coat, but each ocelot’s markings are completely unique, like a fingerprint. Their fur was once highly prized in the illegal fur trade, which caused severe population declines until strict protections were put in place.
These cats are remarkable hunters. They have excellent night vision, six times more sensitive than humans, which allows them to stalk prey under the cover of darkness. Ocelots are opportunistic, eating everything from monkeys and iguanas to rodents and birds. They have even been seen fishing in streams by scooping prey out with quick swipes of their paws.
Unlike jaguars and pumas, ocelots are much more vocal. They communicate with a wide variety of meows, growls, and yowls that can carry across the forest at night. Males call to defend their territory and attract females during the mating season.
Ocelots are also strong swimmers and climbers. They are equally at home slinking along the forest floor or moving through the trees in pursuit of prey. Their adaptability makes them one of the most resilient wild cats in Central and South America.
Habitat and Behavior
In Costa Rica, ocelots are found in both lowland rainforests and dry forests. They are solitary and territorial, usually covering a range of 3 to 5 square kilometers depending on the abundance of food.
They are nocturnal and spend most of the day resting in dense vegetation, hollow logs, or trees. At night, they patrol their territory and hunt, often ambushing prey with a sudden, decisive pounce.
Where to See Ocelots in Costa Rica
Although difficult to spot due to their secretive nature, ocelots are present in many of Costa Rica’s protected areas, including:
The best chances of encountering them are on night hikes with experienced guides who know the signs to look for. Camera traps have also been set up by researchers frequently capture their movements and help monitor their population.
