The caracal is a solitary animal, active mostly at night.  Their nocturnal tendency make them a rare sight, and their cunning and agility make them highly proficient hunters.  The word “caracal” is from a Turkish word that means “black-eared.”  The powerful hind legs allow it to leap more than 3 meters (10 feet) in the air to catch birds on the wing. It can even twist and change its direction mid-air.  It is also an excellent climber.