A video of a puma, also known as cougar or bay lion, went viral on social networks this Wednesday afternoon (18), showing the wild animal on top of a tree in Pinheira, in Palos.

A puma climbs a tree, afraid of dogs – Photo: @rodrigojesusfotografia/Instagram/Reproduction/ND

According to Rodrigo Silva de Jesus, who filmed the scene, the animal would have climbed the pine tree out of fear after the dogs approached it. “The dogs were in the bushes and touched her and she ran up a tree,” he reports.

A local resident says a cougar was seen on the way to the Celesk substation in the area. “Let’s go outside, she’s looking at “us”,” Rodrigo says to the child who accompanies him.

According to the military police who arrived at the scene, the animal may have left the Serra do Tabuleiro park. The garrison, unfortunately, did not find the puma.

“Only those who live nearby know. We always pass by the substation and always see different animals, it wouldn’t be strange if something like that appeared”; “You barely know your potential,” some Internet users comment.

Puma in Pinheira:

The animal was spotted on its way to the Celesc substation, near the Serra do Tabuleiro park, in Palos – Video: @rodrigojesusfotografia/Instagram/Reproduction/ND

The largest remaining carnivore in South Africa.

The puma, or bay lion, plays a fundamental role in the Santa Catarina ecosystem, being the largest remaining predator in the state. He previously shared this position with the jaguar, whose last record was made in the 1970s.

LAMAQ (Laboratory of Aquatic Mammals) biologist and technician Mauricio Eduardo Greipel explains that “as the top predator in the food chain, the bay lion has cascading effects on other species, influencing their composition and behavior.”

“Their presence results in other species occupying less habitat and having more balanced populations, resulting in less impact in areas adjacent to crops and other human habitat,” adds Greipel.

Jaguar, cougar, cougar or bay lion: this is one of the animals that suffers most from sport hunting in the Atlantic Forest. Photo: Pexels/Reproduction/ND

Jaguar is endangered

The main threats faced by cougars in Santa Catarina are habitat loss due to deforestation and urban expansion, direct persecution by humans, and illegal hunting.

In terms of conservation efforts, Greipel says a number of actions are being taken to protect the species and its habitat in Santa Catarina.

“The creation of conservation areas has been one of the most important measures to ensure protected areas where species can live freely,” says the biologist, who also emphasizes the importance of the Atlantic Forest Act and Forest Code in species conservation.

In addition, Greipel explains that efforts are being made to raise public awareness of the importance of environmental conservation “to promote the harmonious coexistence of people and wildlife.”