I got interested in finding out about the largest wild cat in the Americas after reading "Romance of the Cougar," https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@arbitrarykitten/the-romance-of-the-cougar by 
@arbitrarykitten .
The Jaguar, only big cat in the Americas of the Panthera genus. Which consists of the Lion, Tiger and Leopard. It is the 3rd largest after the Tiger and Lion.
Range
Southwestern US & Mexico, most of Central America and South America as far as Northern Argentina.
Very few sightings in border states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. They are on the US Federal endangered list.
Population
Total numbers are only around 15,000.
The Jaguar, coming from Asia over the land bridge in Early Pleistocene era. 2 1/2 to 1 1/2 million years ago once roamed much of North America.
US & Mexico are cooperating in conservation efforts in protecting a 80 to 120 Jaguar population in remote highlands of Sonora, Mexico. Hopefully to build up their numbers to repopulate isolate areas in the US.
Description
The animal is camouflaged with rosettes (spots), which makes them blend into their forest surroundings. The spotted coat makes the Jaguar look like a Leopard. Difference is the Jaguar is larger, more muscular and stronger.
Color is yellow and tan, with some reddish brown to black. The black ones (Panthers) are seen regularly. They still have spots, but are hard to see.
Will continue on the description and life of the Jaguar in a..... PART 2
Information taken from ...wikipedia &
bigcatswildcats.com
photos...duckduckgo