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One jaguar has been keeping the sleep of residents of the São Pedro neighborhood, in Esmeraldas (MG)in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte. Since last Thursday (12/03), the wild feline has been seen roaming the streets and even on the roofs of homes at night, triggering a search operation involving the Fire Department and the Environmental Military Police.
As of Monday morning (16/03), the animal had not yet been captured. Reports from residents indicate that the feline passed through houses during the early hours of the morning, but the rescue teams, upon arriving at the scene, were unable to locate the whereabouts of the animal, which has nocturnal habits and great agility when it comes to hiding.
What to do when you see a jaguar?
Experts warn that, although the puma generally avoids contact with humans, it can attack if it feels cornered or threatened.
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Keep your distance: Never try to approach, photograph closely or corner the animal.
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Don’t run: Sudden movements can activate the feline’s hunting instinct.
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Call the authorities: If you see an animal in an urban area, call immediately. Fire Department (193) or to the Environmental Police (190).
Search for food
According to firefighters, the jaguar’s presence in urban areas may be related to the search for easy food. The suspicion is that the animal was attracted to domestic livestock in the region, such as chickens or pigs. Biologist Thiago Gelape explains that, although Esmeraldas is surrounded by areas of Atlantic Forest and Cerrado (the species’ natural habitat), seeing these felines in the middle of the street is not common.
“These animals generally look for farms because of cattle, which are easier prey. Appearing in dense residential areas indicates that the animal, probably young, is exploring new territories”, says the expert.
Continuous alert
Authorities recommend that residents avoid leaving pets loose in the yard at night and that they keep gates and trash cans closed. The searches continue in the forest region adjacent to the São Pedro neighborhood to try to safely manage the feline in an environmental preservation area.
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