Help identifying strange cat caught on trail cam

[seabob4]

There are quite a few wild animal/exotic animal shelter type outfits around here, Pasco, N Hillsborough, even into Pinellas...

I'd say one of the little rascals got a taste of freedom!!

Saw a full grown panther on our old property about 8 years ago, Pasco/Hernando County Line Rd.  Big a$$ damn cat, tail as long as it's body...and she/he sure knew I was there...    

[Whitewater]

I regularly visit a place down there in Tampa called Big Cat Rescue off 589 and Gunn hwy.  I saw a few Ocelot up close the things that have me scratching my head on calling this an Ocelot or even a Margay is the back markings are off. Both of those cats have spotted back markings and these appear to be barred. The other thing and it may be a photo glitch with the trail/night vision camera is that both breeds have that bullseye white spot on the back of the black ear that I am not seeing here either....... I am wondering if this could be a mixed breed.

Maybe send the photo over to Carole Baskin at Big Cat and see if she can help identify?

[Whitewater]

Just a note on BCR she does run a rescue facility and may want to look into the cat and try to research and rescue.  

So your call with that bit of warning on potential action.

[HIFLUTIN]

tie you up a live chicken & a .223, we will find out what it is

[gran398]

I could deal on some chickens

[wingtime]

I thought the markings on it's body were wrong too.