Anatomy: These graceful cats grow to be about 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) long; the tail is 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) long. Jaguars are bigger than leopards, and their dark markings are arranged in a rosette of 4 or 5 spots placed around a central lighter-colored spot.

Diet: These large cats are carnivores (meat-eaters). They hunt mammals, reptiles, birds, and eggs, including capybaras, peccaries, tapirs, turtles, and alligators. They often bury their prey after killing it, in order to eat it later. They hunt mostly at night; they are nocturnal.