It’s not uncommon to spot wildlife when taking a hike. That said, for most of us, the sight of a mountain lion would send us into a panic. If you live in the United States, the chances of this happening are pretty low. On the contrary, a mountain lion sighting in Patagonia is far more likely than you may think.
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Located at the southern end of South America, this region is known for having the highest density of pumas. So, while it’s not unheard of to spot a mountain lion while hiking, seeing one for yourself is an experience you simply can’t prepare for — just as Mariana Cabral! She crossed paths with one and managed to capture the moment on camera. Check it out in the video below!
@marianascabral Surpresa na trilha #wtrek #wtrekpatagonia #trekking #patagonia ♬ Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar
“See how he stays on the designated trail? Very demure, very mindful,” someone jokes in reply to Mariana’s video, with another pointing out, “That cat looks like it hasn’t been hungry in a long time.”
Thankfully, a mountain lion looking well-fed in Patagonia isn’t a sign that they’ve been harming humans. On the contrary, it’s said that these creatures tend to be rather chill with folks there. This is true, in part, because the Torres del Paine National Park provides them with a space that isn’t dominated by humans.
What Should You Do if You Cross Paths with a Mountain Lion?
In turn, the mountain lions there have plenty of non-human food options. And because they have so much space to roam, they feel less pressure — something that can prompt an attack. All this said, it’s always important to remain calm, keep your distance, and not run if you do cross paths with one of these creatures. Clearly, this is something that Mariana did perfectly!
“The fact that you weren’t shaking at all and got a clear video is crazy,” someone takes note. “Props to you.”
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!
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