Texas Has Become The Only State Where Ocelots Are Found Since The Spotted Felines Are Facing Threats Of Habitat Loss, Trapping, And Poisoning

But, the new genetic tests suggest that more ocelots may be present in other remote sections of southern Texas.

It is an encouraging sign that the felines are persisting, especially amid ongoing conservation efforts.

Wildlife officials plan to release some ocelots in two counties just west of Hidalgo County within the next few years.

The cats will live on a 150,000-acre ranch owned by a land stewardship nonprofit. There are also plans to breed and raise ocelots for reintroduction.

Meanwhile, authorities are urging drivers in ocelot-occupied areas to slow down and watch out for the cats, particularly from dusk to dawn.

This will ensure that other ocelots do not meet the same tragic fate. Vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of death for ocelots.