Tigersmitten

Kansetsu Hashimoto : "Pure Midday" (1941)

Roosevelt elk Cervus canadensis roosevelti

Every day we spend with pumas is incredible. Even simply sitting quietly with these cats as they rest is special—it’s a privilege just to be in their presence. But every so often, something truly unexpected happens. After walking with the puma Petaka for quite some time as she traveled in search of her next meal, she began to slow down, clearly looking for a place to settle for the night. As she moved casually across the landscape, she came upon a gray fox—known locally as a zorro gris—busy hunting in a small clearing. Petaka instantly dropped flat, crouching as low as she could. The fox, sensing movement, startled and trotted a short distance up the hill. After looking back and seeing no obvious threat, it returned to hunting, slowly making its way back toward the clearing, completely focused on the grass and any rodents hidden below. As the fox wandered closer and closer, Petaka showed remarkable restraint, lying perfectly still and nearly invisible in the grass. Then, with the fox only a handful of meters away, she exploded into action. She charged across the clearing, sending the fox racing into the nearby bushes. After several frantic circles around a large shrub and a quick back-and-forth chase, the nimble little fox managed to escape. It was a thrilling few moments and an unforgettable display of Petaka’s speed, power, and precision.