Jaguars are the largest of South America's big cats and the third largest cats in the world. At one time jaguars roamed all the way to the U.S.-Mexico border, but jaguars are now only occasionally sighted in Texas and Arizona. Most jaguars are found in the Amazon River basin.
Jaguars are secretive and are not known to kill humans. These beautiful and powerful beasts were important in ancient Native American cultures and were used as royal symbols. People believed they could protect them against evil. The name jaguar comes from the Native American word yaguar, which means "he who kills with one leap."
Unlike most cats, jaguars like water and are quite good swimmers.
