Watched a great PBS nature show on them, lots to learn and digest.
They used to range all the way up to Oklahoma, but habitat loss, measures to kill wolves and Mountain Lions etc made them bycatch, they are down to 2 small pockets in South Texas. One is a nature preserve, one is a private ranch. Known population is around 100, but they could exist on some of the mega ranches down there still, the owners are hesitant to participate with the feds out of fear of having regulations forced on them if they admit to having them.
The fear has been that with their proximity to the hurricane prone coast, and with inbreeding they could get wiped out. The push has been to try and create another population inland, maybe with Mexican stock.
Reading around after watching the doc, they have agreed to build a breeding facility at A&M Kingsville, in order to have a release on a ranch further inland, with safe harbor for the owners (as well as any adjacent owners that want to participate). I really hope if some of the other large land guys see this work that they jump in, it's a beautiful animal that isn't a big threat to ranchers stocks, we hopefully can find a place for them.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/releases/?req=20240405a

Yes sir. Sure hope they can do something to save them. They were heavily trapped and hunted in the early 1900's up through the early 60's for their pelts. Really put the hurt on them as you said, from collateral damage from the poisoning, trapping and hunting of coyotes and lions and the red wolf.
Thanks for posting sir.

Not in Texas, but 10 years ago before development took over Ambergris Caye, Belize; I was driving a golf cart down a trail and a beautiful Ocelot walked into the path , gave me a "what are you looking at" stare and sauntered into the brush. Still one of my very best wildlife encounters.

The East Foundation is doing some great work to try and bring them back from the brink.

When you say SE Texas, where are you referring to? My understanding is the only remaining Ocelots are in Deep South Texas and this article seems to confirm that based on the counties it is talking about. The SE part is confusing to me and just making sure I am not missing something.

About 35 years ago I was walking down a senders and popped up over a rise to see what I think must have been an Ocelot sitting in that senders about 40 yds from me. Had distinctive spotted pattern and extremely long tail when it stood and wandered onto the brush.
This in NE Webb county very close to corner of Webb, LaSalle, and Dimmit counties. And yes, it's not something that you feel free to report. Kinda like Horned Toads and Kangaroo rats, we have them because of something we are doing correctly and don't care to have guv come to fix it when it ain't broke.

Deep in the Heart got some pretty great footage of some. I know some dont like Ben Masters political takes but he makes great outdoor documentaries in my opinion

Travelled entire Mx border pushing the open border/no wall talking points.

This is a very educational episode of Meateater on the ocelot that features the East Foundation. I live in the epicenter of our (U.S., American) ocelot country and I learned a lot from this episode - primarily just how much brush cover is required to maintain a population for this reclusive animal. It takes some THICK ASS BRUSH for the ocelot to call home. It's kinda dated but worth a watch.

Yea where I saw it was just outside a strip about 200 yds wide that runs through the ranch with what was up until the 50's drought a flowing creek. Now the water is about 10-15' deep but supports live oak and Cedar Elm and thick native brush. One day I will set up all of my cameras along game trails and water sources just to see what may be roaming down in that thicket.

Deerdude said:

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About 35 years ago I was walking down a senders and popped up over a rise to see what I think must have been an Ocelot sitting in that senders about 40 yds from me. Had distinctive spotted pattern and extremely long tail when it stood and wandered onto the brush.
This in NE Webb county very close to corner of Webb, LaSalle, and Dimmit counties. And yes, it's not something that you feel free to report. Kinda like Horned Toads and Kangaroo rats, we have them because of something we are doing correctly and don't care to have guv come to fix it when it ain't broke.

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This is why the range is limited to LANWR and the East Ranch. Landowners don't want the headache, hassle, etc that would come from having a protected or endangered species on your property. The ocelot range is larger than two locations in Cameron and Willacy counties but a reticence (well-earned) to report sightings keeps the "official" range limited to these two tracts.

I worked at the Texas Zoo a lifetime ago. They did have an ocelot at the time as well as a coati the Education Director had "trained". She was doing a demonstration where people were shoulder to shoulder and let the coati walk on their shoulders. For some reason, when it got to me, it tore into my head. It had clawed my glasses as well (if I hadn't had them on, I'd of lost an eye). I went to the ER - it looked like a crime scene. Had blood all over my white shirt. She said she'd never have it out again. 3 weeks later she did; I quit on the spot.

I hate those m-effers.