Rainsong Wildlife Sanctuary and Retreat
 Rainsong Wildlife Sanctuary

Rainforest land turtle in Costa Rica CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH A JAGUAR

Mary Lynn Pery

Close encounters with jaguars are an increasingly rare occurrence in Costa Rica. Deforestation caused by timber enterprises and developers is shrinking Costa Rica’s remaining pockets of primary forest at an alarming rate, even in ´protected ‘ areas.

Normal population growth coupled with the flood of foreign residents is causing a constant demand for more housing. Developers seldom consider protecting wildlife corridors when planning housing projects. Subsequently, areas of natural forest are shrinking rapidly in Costa Rica.

These factors, and the sad fact that locals continue to poach wildlife (even and especially in protected areas) presents a bleak outlook for the future of the jaguar in Costa Rica and Central America.

Poaching eliminates the jaguar’s natural prey (peccary, armadillo, tepezquintle, deer, etc. ), forcing them to often take domestic animals (calves, goats, dogs, etc.). Locals traditionally retaliate by killing all wild cats on sight.

Sadly, it’s probable that the jaguar will be found only in zoos in the near future. The Rainforest Alliance estimates that there remain only perhaps a total of 15,000 jaguars in the wilds of Central AND South America.(2006).

The range needed for a single solitary male is extensive. A jaguar on the hunt can cover up to 60 miles (100 kilometers) in one night.

It’s a geographical impossibility for jaguars to avoid encounters with civilization.

The following account details important techniques to practice in the event you are blessed with an awe-inspiring encounter with a jaguar.

SIMON’S CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH A JAGUAR ::

In 1993 cattlemen all over our region (from Paquera to Jicaral ) were suffering the loss of calves to a very large, very old jaguar. Fatigued and weary , he could no longer procure food by chasing deer. So he took to taking calves.

One day in March of 1994 Simon was on horseback in the hills above Rio Lajas, Cabuya. He came upon a desperate scene. A mother deer was running in circles around ‘Grand-Daddy Tiger’, bleating her heart out to draw his attention away from the newborn baby deer hidden in the dry leaves within the circle. GrandDaddy was snuffling the ground and nearing the baby’s hiding place, totally ignoring the mother deer circling him. Simon slowly slipped off the horse, squatted down, and began whistling a high tone.

Wildcats and other wildlife have very sensitive hearing. Whistling causes them discomfort. So GrandDaddy slowly sauntered away, allowing Simon to rescue the baby deer. GrandDaddy was 2 meters long (6 feet) NOT counting his tail. Awesome !!!!

Later that year, the cattlemen managed to kill him.

While living in Belize, I experienced several close encounters with jaguars in the bush. Each time was an awesome joyful communion with one of God’s most beautiful creatures !!!! Thrilling !!!!

In the past year there have been several jaguars spotted in our region of the peninsula. Sightings have occurred in Cabuya, Delicias, Rio Negro, and Manzanillo. A mother with 2 young was seen in Delicias.

If you are ever confronted with a wild animal, follow these suggestions :

  1. Chill your vibe. Be cool and calm, be still. All animals can smell fear, and might react to it.

  2. Make yourself smaller, less threatening. Squat down and be still. Don’t wave your arms or shout.

  3. If you fear an attack, whistle a high tone. If you can’t whistle, carry a whistle with you during your treks into the bush.


The only hope for wildcats’ survival in the wild is an urgently needed adjustment in humanity’s attitude towards them. We must cultivate tolerance and respect for all wildlife.

At Rainsong, Conservation Education and Reforestation are priorities. If you would like to become involved , send us an email.

Mary Lynn Perry at Rainsong

www.rainsongsanctuary.com

rainsongwildlifesanctuary@gmail.com

The Earth does not belong to us.

We belong to the Earth. ‘ Chief Seattle

Beaches of Cabuya Photo Collage
Copyright 2005 by Rainsong Wildlife Sanctuary All Rights Reserved