Cougar roams through Campos Novos and is captured after 10 hours

A cougar roamed through backyards and a garage in Campos Novos, Santa Catarina, before being captured by firefighters, the Military Environmental Police, and veterinarians. The operation, which lasted about 10 hours, resulted in the animal's release into a preservation area.

Why the cougar appears in urban areas

The feline was spotted in a vacant lot on Saturday morning at 7:16 a.m. and quickly crossed the residential area, passing through several backyards before hiding in a building's garage. The species, which may appear in areas near cities during its movements, usually avoids human presence, but factors such as dispersal, searching for prey, and habitat fragmentation can lead it to roam through urban areas.

10-hour capture operation

Firefighters cordoned off the area and called the Military Environmental Police and two veterinarians from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). The goal was to capture the animal without injuring residents or the feline itself. A tranquilizer dart strategy was used, which sedated the cougar when it hid in the garage.

Handling and release procedures

After sedation, the veterinarians assessed the cougar's health and, with a positive result, it was placed in a transport cage. It was then taken to the Rio Canoas Park, in the countryside of Campos Novos, where it was released into a preservation area around 5 p.m.

Importance of the species to the ecosystem

The cougar (Puma concolor) is the second-largest feline in Brazil, behind only the jaguar. With a predominantly solitary and discreet behavior, it avoids human presence and plays an important role in the balance of ecosystems by acting as a predator.

Community and authorities' reaction

During the operation, the Military Environmental Police patrols reinforced safety guidelines and requested that drivers and pedestrians stay away from the perimeter. Nearby residents remained inside their homes while the team carried out the containment and handling of the animal.

Conclusion of the incident

The incident was resolved around 5 p.m., approximately ten hours after the initial call, following the capture and safe relocation of the cougar.

With information from G1, ND Mais, NSC Total.