The Ecology Department of Benito Juárez municipality in Cancun has reported two sightings of jaguars in the city's northern area. The public is urged not to panic but to promptly inform authorities if they spot any of these big cats.
Tania Fernández Moreno, the head of the Ecology Department, emphasized the importance of preserving these species. While she reassured the public that jaguars typically do not pose a threat to humans, she stressed the need for preventative measures.
Jaguars, she explained, usually hunt smaller animals. Therefore, residents are advised to keep their pets, such as dogs and cats, safe and not to leave them unattended on the streets. This advice is particularly relevant for those living near the jungle areas where the jaguar sightings have occurred, as these big cats may venture into populated areas in search of food, putting small pets at risk.
Moreno said, "We shouldn't be scared, but we should take appropriate care. Jaguars are not going to target humans or children; they are not part of their diet, it's not something they seek out. They are more likely to hunt smaller species."
However, she added a word of caution. If a jaguar is provoked or feels threatened, like any other animal, it will defend itself.
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