An adult puma was spotted Thursday in Paine, days after a young specimen was captured in the same area. The Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) suspects it is the mother of the captured feline.
A video alerted neighbors to the feline's presence on the streets of the commune. Metropolitan regional director of the SAG Juan Valenzuela said it is an adult specimen and that it could be the mother of the cub captured last Wednesday.
The young puma had been trapped by SAG teams, municipal staff and Buin Zoo personnel after wandering disoriented across rooftops and streets on the El Huerto road. It was taken to a veterinary center for evaluation prior to release.
Valenzuela asked residents not to approach the animal and to keep their pets secured. He explained that the felines are not aggressive on their own but their behavior under stress is unpredictable and approaching could harm them, which is punishable under the Hunting Law.
Specialized teams set traps with materials scented by the cub and food to capture the specimen. Authorities requested that any sightings be reported to the municipality or the SAG.
