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Puma – Patagón

Patagón What’s in a name? In the case of the South American region known as Patagonia, there seems to be quite a bit. The origin of the word Patagonia, though, is cloaked in controversy. One theory relates it was coined from “patagónes”, an appellation supposedly bestowed by European explorers on a mysterious race of indigenous giants. Further expansions of the legend purport the Patagónes had very large feet. Whether or not there’s validity to this narrative, it does make for interesting story-telling. Fast forward. Today’s image portrays a Puma cub lazily lolling on its back. This cub, if he reaches the age of one year, is destined to be name Patagón. Check out that front paw. Like all of its kind, the feet are impressively large and he’s bound to be a big cat, a giant. So Patagón just might be an appropriate moniker. It appears the enigmatic Patagónes may still roam the untamed Patagonian steppe, just in a different format … and that’s what’s in a name. ~ Anecdote and Puma capture, Patagón © Jerry L. Ferrara

A Fleeting Respite The most recent Guanaco carcass had been consumed. So, the Puma family was on the move while mother Mountain Lion was in search of sustenance for her growing youngsters. A fleeting respite was taken advantage of as she scanned the landscape for their next meal. ~ Anecdote and Puma capture, A Fleeting Respite © Jerry L. Ferrara

A Flying Leap The female Puma was on a quest to locate an errant cub. When she arrived at a low wet spot in her path, she opted against entering the boggy region. Instead, the agile cat made a flying leap over the mire to continue her course. ~ Anecdote and Puma capture, A Flying Leap © Jerry L. Ferrara

On A Mission The immediate surroundings near the Guanaco carcass was suddenly devoid of any other creature and the air became deathly stagnant. The reason for the vacant scene appeared in the form of a massively-built male Puma as he bolted boldly toward the ragged remains. His presence was commanding and he was on a mission. ~ Anecdote and Puma capture, On A Mission © Jerry L. Ferrara

And The Game Was On Through the rock-riddled Patagonian scrubland, the Puma cub moved with an air of attitude. At the same time, he was mindful of his sister’s presence somewhere close by. She most likely was plotting another surprise ambush. It was actually a favorite pastime they both relished. All of a sudden a blur of fur exploded from behind a nearby boulder. The assertive sibling mischievously assailed her brother’s tail … and the game was on. ~ Anecdote and Puma capture, And The Game Was On © Jerry L. Ferrara

Its Prey Had Arrived The cat rested serenely on a steep hillside outcrop. Though its view was stunningly commanding, the Puma periodically closed its feline orbs and “cat-napped”. Then, without any provocation, it all at once rose up and steadily stared into the deep distance. Its prey had arrived … hell was about to break loose. ~ Anecdote and Puma capture, Its Prey Had Arrived © Jerry L. Ferrara

An Apex Predator We’re back home! Whew! What an adventure! My last presentation was a scenic shot from Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. Today’s image is THE reason for the excursion … the Puma, also known as Mountain Lion or Cougar. She is gustily feasting on a Guanaco carcass and her eyes reflect the mood of an apex predator. What she was not happy about was another apex predator, a large male lion, that was coming to the kill. ~ Anecdote and Puma capture, An Apex Predator © Jerry L. Ferrara

Mountain Lion

Puma – Patagón

Puma – A Fleeting Respite

Puma – A Flying Leap

Puma – On A Mission

Puma – And The Game Was On

Puma – Its Prey Had Arrived

Puma – An Apex Predator

Ferrara Wildlife Photography