It was around 5:45 PM Cuiaba time and we were headed back to our home away from home, when we encountered 10 boats or so clustered around a small sand island near the shores of the Cuiaba River. The photographers were waiting for "Jorge," a big adult male Jaguar (Panthera onca) to come out of the thick brush. "Jorge" is known to local biologists by the tell-tale rip on his right ear. With his sister, Patricia (see image "Jaguar on the Beach"), the two had been known to patrol the areas near the Three Brothers tributary of the Cuiaba river.
Our boat waited for Jorge as well. It was almost moonlight when Jorge obliged us. He very staunchly yet gracefully patrolled along the banks of the Cuiaba. He looked up once and I was able to capture this image. After slightly glancing back at us, Jorge trudged away from the beach and disappeared into the forest. Local jaguar biologists think the rip on his right ear was very likely caused by another jaguar.
Cuiaba River, the Pantanal, Brazil.
Tags: Brazil Mato Grosso Nature Pantanal South America Wild Animal Wildlife Panthera onca Jorge the Jaguar Cuiaba River The Pantanal Big Cats Three Brothers Tributary Jorge small sand island Brasil
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She's been exposed to humans, including photographers and film crews, since she was a tiny cub. So this Puma (Puma concolor), named "Hermanita" (little sister), is pretty relaxed around people. However, when one of our trackers - thanks Junior! - stepped right in front of her while she was feeding on the Guanaco she killed the night before, our hearts skipped a beat. Hermanita looked up for about a second and went right back to eating. When a small group of photographers joined the tracker, Hermanita remained unfazed. It was so cool to share this moment with a wild Puma. Near Laguna Amarga area, Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile.
Tags: Chile Glatz Nature Photography Nature Nikon D850 Patagonia South America Torres del Paine National Park Ventana Wild Animal Wildlife Puma Puma concolor Big Cats Predator Kill Eye Contact Cougar Mountain Lion Laguna Amarga
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Female Jaguar (Panthera onca) emerges from the dense jungle of the Pantanal wetland in Brazil, and walks into the open. This cat, nicknamed "Patricia" by local guides, patrolled the river bank for a few moments before melting back into the forest.
The Jaguar is the largest cat in the Western Hemisphere (only the Tiger and Lion are larger). Big males are approximately the size of an African Lioness. Jaguars are listed as "Near Threatened" and their future is clouded by habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and poaching. This imposing cat is known for killing its prey with a single bite that pierces the skull, delivering a fatal blow to its victim's brain. The Jaguar has been revered by many indigenous cultures, including the Maya and Aztec, whose mythologies featured the cat as a prominent figure.
©2014 David P. Glatz, Glatz Nature Photography. All rights reserved.
Tags: Brasil Brazil Glatz Nature Photography Mato Grosso Nature Pantanal South America WIld Animal Wildlife Jaguar Panthera onca Big Cats Eye Contact Patricia
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Start of a "4-cat" day (Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Serval) - Serval on the Mara. We were lucky enough to see 4 cats that day, and this little guy started it off. Expertly camouflaged and well hidden amongst the tall grass, I didn't see this serval until we were literally on top of him. Could only get off 1 shot before he scampered away. Masai Mara, Kenya.
Tags: Kenya Masai Mara Slideshow Wildlife PhotoContest-TNC13 Big Cats
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Huge male Lion known as "Notch" at rest but giving the death stare, Masai Mara, Kenya
Tags: Notch Lion Big Cats Predator Masai Mara Kenya Africa Thousand Yard Stare Stare Intimidation HighQualityAnimals Henny's Animals PhotoContest-TNC13
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