Jaguar Spotted in Arizona Confirms the Species Recovery

📍 Location

📝 Description

Latest reports confirm a newly observed jaguar in southern Arizona, identified by its unique rosette pattern from remote camera images at a watering hole in November 2025. Reported on December 4–5, 2025 by AP, ABC, and CBS, the sighting marks the fifth jaguar documented in the region over roughly 15 years, suggesting ongoing edge-population recovery. University of Arizona Wild Cat Research and Conservation Center researchers plan to collect scat samples for genetic analysis to determine sex and diet. The sightings underscore that suitable water sources and habitat are supporting jaguar presence, though climate change and border barriers may threaten migratory corridors.

🔍 Circumstances

Jaguar observed via remote camera at a watering hole in southern Arizona (Huachuca Mountains near Tucson); rosette pattern used to identify as a new individual, the fifth in about 15 years; observed in November 2025; researchers collecting scat samples for genetic analysis; sightings indicate jaguar recovery in the region.

👤 Physical Description

Coat color typical of jaguars (tan to gold) with dark rosette spots; exact size and sex not disclosed in the reports; no additional measurements provided.

ℹ️ Additional Details

Jaguars are endangered in the U.S.; this sighting follows a pattern of infrequent detections but ongoing edge-population presence. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service revised jaguar habitat designations in 2024, reducing the preserved critical habitat, which may affect migratory corridors. Researchers aim to determine sex and diet through genetic analysis of scat; rosette patterns allow individual identification across sightings.

🔗 Sources (5)

👥 Community Contributions

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