Leopards and Jaguars

[deckardcanine]

Leopards and jaguars look more like each other
Than cheetahs do either, but still not the same.
The jaguars are shorter yet bigger and stronger—
The better to take on reptilian game.

The leopards have smaller rosettes with no spots
In the center. They tend to have lengthier tails.
The foreheads and jaws of the jaguars are wider,
In keeping with what their predation entails:

Instead of a throat grab to suffocate prey,
They will bite through the skull or the backbone or spine.
They drag their kills backwards, not forwards like leopards,
And when they’re in water, the jaguars don’t mind.

The leopards are more territorial critters
And keener to lunge at a human too near.
The jaguars act much more secure in dominion;
It's why they climb trees less and hardly show fear.

The leopards are native to Asia and Africa;
Jaguars are Latin America based.
I rather like both types of cats in the abstract,
But if I should meet one, I’d better make haste.