Texas is home to diverse wildlife, including several species of wild felines. While the term “big cat” often brings to mind large, roaring predators, the reality in Texas is more nuanced. The state’s landscapes support a range of wild cat species, each uniquely adapted to its environment.
The Mountain Lion
The mountain lion (Puma concolor), also known as cougar or puma, is Texas’s sole large wild cat species. These slender felines possess a tawny brown coat. Males typically weigh between 100-150 pounds and can measure over 7 feet from nose to tail, with females being somewhat smaller, usually 55-90 pounds. Mountain lions are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk.
Historically, mountain lions were found across all ecological regions of Texas. Today, their primary habitats are the Trans-Pecos region, the South Texas Brush Country, and parts of the Hill Country. These areas provide the rugged terrain, canyons, and dense cover they prefer for hunting and shelter.
Their diet primarily consists of white-tailed deer and desert mule deer, which they hunt. They also prey on javelina, feral hogs, and smaller animals like rabbits and raccoons. In Texas, mountain lions are classified as a “nongame” animal, meaning they can be hunted year-round without specific harvest limits, unlike game species. This classification results in fewer protections compared to other states.
Other Wild Feline Species
Beyond the mountain lion, Texas is home to other native wild cat species. While not classified as “big cats” in the popular sense, these species are important to the state’s ecosystems. These include the bobcat, ocelot, and jaguarundi. The distinction from “big cats” often lies in their inability to roar, a characteristic reserved for cats within the Panthera genus.
The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a common wild cat found throughout Texas. They are much smaller than mountain lions, typically weighing between 15 and 30 pounds. Bobcats are recognized by their short, “bobbed” tail and tufted ears. They inhabit a wide range of environments and primarily hunt small prey like rabbits, rodents, and birds.
The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a medium-sized spotted wild cat, weighing between 15 and 34 pounds. They are characterized by their distinctive chain-like rosettes and blotches on a tawny or grayish background, with a white belly and black-backed ears with a central white spot. In Texas, ocelots are primarily found in the dense, thorny brushlands of South Texas, particularly in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Ocelots are listed as endangered in Texas and federally, facing threats from habitat loss and fragmentation.
The jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) is a unique wild cat with a slender, elongated body, short legs, and a small, flattened head, giving it a weasel-like or otter-like appearance. They typically weigh 8-16 pounds and have a solid-colored coat that can be rusty-brown or charcoal gray. Unlike most other wild cats, jaguarundis are often active during the day. Their historical range in Texas was limited to the dense brushlands of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, but the species is currently considered extirpated from Texas, with the last confirmed sighting in 1986 near Brownsville. Unconfirmed sightings occasionally occur.
Historical and Rare Big Cat Sightings
The jaguar (Panthera onca) holds a historical presence in Texas, though it is not considered a resident breeding population today. Jaguars are the largest cats in the Americas, known for their powerful build and distinctive rosette spots. Historical records confirm their presence across much of Texas, extending as far east as Louisiana and north into the state’s central regions.
The last documented jaguar in Texas was killed in 1948 in Kenedy County. Since then, there have been no confirmed breeding populations in the state. Rare and unconfirmed sightings have been reported periodically, particularly in South Texas, often attributed to transient male jaguars dispersing from Mexico. The construction of border barriers and habitat fragmentation make it challenging for jaguars to re-establish a permanent presence in Texas.