North American wild cats include two big cats, the jaguar and cougar, and smaller wild cats like the ocelot, jaguarundi, bobcat and Canada lynx.

North America is the third largest continent on the planet. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean (south), Atlantic Ocean (east), Arctic Ocean (north), South America and the Caribbean Sea (southeast).

about wild cats in north america

More About North America

North America is made up of 23 different countries, including Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the various Caribbean islands. Greenland and Iceland are also considered part of North America because of where they are located.

Wild cats can only be found in three specific North American regions: Canada, the United States and Central America.

North American Wild Cat Species

North America is home to the:

  • Jaguar (Panthera onca) – Inhabits the Southwestern United States (rarely seen) down through Mexico and into South America. The biggest wild cat in North America.
  • Cougar (Puma concolor) – the second biggest wild cat in North America. Can be found from Canada all the way down to South America.
  • Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) – this wild cat inhabits North America, down through Mexico and South America. Twice as big as a household cat.
  • Jaguarundi  (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) – can be found North America (southern Texas), Central America and South America. Mostly found in the lowlands where there is brush and water.
  • Bobcat (Lynx rufus) – inhabits regions in southern Canada to Central Mexico. Has a similar appearance to a Canadian lynx.
  • Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) – a medium size wild cat with thick fur, long legs, big paws, a black tipped tail and ear tufts.

Wild Cat Conservation in North America

North America wild cat conservation organizations. Groups involved in North American big cats and small wild cats conservation.