Guyana wildlife

[johnnywalker]

I was working near the Essequibo river on Saturday and came within 75 feet of a Jaguar. In the 43 years I've been working in or close to the forest, this is the first time I've seen a big cat. Third biggest cat in the world in fact. What a magnificant creature. Made my day, and probably my week and month as well. Did I get a picture? No, couldn't take my eyes off it long enough, but in any case I'm sure it's a better mind pic.
Cheers

[Sanjay Sen]

I think you were quite lucky to see a jaguar in the wild -- aren't these magnificent creatures known to be quite elusive?

[johnnywalker]

I think they are quite solitary animals like most big cats. I've been in forested areas where big cats are abundant (for example cougers on Vancouver Island) but have never seen one. I feel very fortunate to have seen this Jaguar. Took my breath away it did.