Happy International Leopard Day!

In honor of International Leopard Day, we’re sharing our top seven facts about the elusive leopard.

1. Most leopards are light coloured and have dark spots on their fur called “rosettes,” because they look like roses.  

   

2. Leopards are solitary animals. They only spend time with others when they are mating or when they are raising their young. They are also nocturnal and spend their nights hunting instead of sleeping.
    
3. Leopards have varied diets and aren’t picky eaters! They are ambush predators and will crouch low with bent legs and their head low as they approach their prey and sneak up and pounce before it has a chance to react.
    
4. They can run up to 36 mph (58 kph), jump forward 20 feet (6 meters) and leap 10 feet (3 m) straight up, so it’s no wonder they’re great hunters!
    
5. As skilled climbers, leopards spend more of their days resting in tree branches during the day. They also often dray their heavy prey up into the trees to keep it away from other animals.  

   

6. Unlike most cats, leopards are also skilled swimmers and like the water.
    
7. Although leopards are classified as a roaring cat, they rarely roar. Their voice is more of a raspy bark.