Locals Say They've Spotted an Elusive Ghost Cat in Texas, but it's Likely Been Gone Since 1986
The jaguarundi, a wildcat once thought to inhabit Texas, is considered extinct in the state since the last confirmed sighting in 1986. Many recent reports of sightings are likely misidentifications of domestic cats or other animals. Experts debate whether the jaguarundi ever truly lived in Texas or if it was merely at the edge of its territory.
- ▪The jaguarundi is a small wildcat that resembles a river otter and weighs around 15 pounds.
- ▪The last confirmed sighting of a jaguarundi in Texas was in Brownsville in 1986.
- ▪Experts are unsure if the jaguarundi ever lived in Texas or if it occasionally crossed the border from Mexico.
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Key Takeaways on the Ghost CatThe ghost cat of Texas is called the Jaguarundi, which is a wildcat that is considered extinct in Texas. Though many people report seeing them, they are often mistaken for house cats or otters. Jaguarundi is about the size of a house cat and weighs about 15 pounds. However, they have an extra-long tail, which sets them apart from domestic cats.Experts aren't sure if Jaguarundi ever actually lived in Texas or if Texas was just at the edge of their territory and they'd occasionally cross the state line.
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