Big Cats (Capstone)

A jaguar watches silently from a rain forest tree as prey draws near below. When the jaguar leaps, it's too late for the prey to escape. The jaguar has its lunch. Learn more about these stealthy cats, including where they live, what they hunt, and how they live from day to day.

Snow leopards blend into their surroundings, making it nearly impossible for their prey or people to see them. Often the only proof they live in an area is what these big cats leave behind, such as tracks and urine marks. Learn more about these nearly invisible cats, including where they live, what they eat, and how scientists are working to ensure their survival.

Tigers are the only big cats with stripes. But no two tigers have the same pattern of stripes. Learn more about these beautiful cats, including where they live, how they hunt, and why they can be difficult to raise in captivity.

Cheetahs are built for speed. Their slim, long bodies can reach speeds of around 60 miles (95 kilometers) an hour. That's as fast as a car streaking by on the highway! Learn more about these speedy cats, including where they live, how they hunt, and how they live from day to day.

Lions are often called the king of the beasts. They rank among the largest cats in the world and, other than people, they have no predators. Learn more about these fearless cats, including where they live and how they work together in groups to ensure their survival.

Mountain lions once prowled all across North and South America, from Canada to Chile. But as people crowded into the big cats' habitat, mountain lions were forced into smaller areas. Learn more about these big cats, including where they live, what they eat, and how they continue to survive while losing more and more of their habitat to humans.