Jaguars are the largest species of cat in the Western Hemisphere.  These stocky, powerful cats can be distinguished from spotted leopards by their large, broken rosettes (patterns) around small black spots.  Jaguars inhabit tropical rainforests and wet grasslands in Central and South America.  They reach a length of 5 to 8 feet (including their tails) and weigh anywhere from 100 to 300 pounds.  Females are considerably smaller than males.

Hunting mostly at night, these solitary creatures stalk and ambush their prey, which consists of deer, birds, fish, amphibians, monkeys and tapirs.  In contrast to other big cats that suffocate their prey, jaguars use their powerful jaws to bite through the skull of their prey, often killing it with one bite.  Jaguars are excellent swimmers that enjoy the water.  In fact, they often hit the water surface with their tail to attract fish, and then spear them with their sharp claws.