Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-03-08

Hunting Puma and JaguaP.

A couple of spears, one long and
one shorter, made the equipment OF
the tigrero. Their dogs, big SLOUGH
ing, light-colored animals, were evil
| IDENTIFY related to the coyote. Danger
Gus rather than savage, not prone to
bark, they perform the role of house
dogs badly. The Don assured us that
puppies will not bark at all unless
taught by others. But they learn at
once, thus differing from the thorough
bred coyote, which can only howl and
whimper in the first generation of do
mesticity, and seldom succeeds in
learning true bark until the third.
We asked why 81 was granted for a
slain puma, and but so cents for a
jaguar, seeing that the latter animal
is SO much more dangerous and de-
structiVe. 1t appears that, in the
fashion of hunting to which these In
dams obstinately adhere, the less ter
rible beast causes the greater loss of
life. Tigreros 60 in couples, the head
man in advance with his two spears.
the subordinate following with his
machete or chopping-knife. The
jaguar is easily tracked, and does not
60 far when reused. So soon as it is
thoroughly conveyed to his mind that
these intruders wish to see him per-
sonally he turns with roar that al
ways gives sufficient warning to such
practiced shikaris. A moment after
ward he comes trotting up. The fore
most Indian kneels, holding a spear in
either hand, the long one straight out
his companion stands at the side.
The jaguar does not pause, but gath
ers himself up, cleaves the air in a
mighty bound, his fore legs wide
asunder and claws hooked to rend
Very seldom does it happen that the
long spear fails to transix the I'M
protected chest, or the shorter one his
throat.
Such is not the puma's conduct.
When disturbed he sllulks swiftly
through the brushwood, and common
" escapes. In following a iaguar
dogs are seldom hurt for he disregards
them, and they have no need to press
him. But the puma turns constantly,
massacres a hound, and speeds on
again. Even if wounded he is slow to
stand; but when brought to bay at
length it is q more deadly risk to face
him. For this combat the spears are
useless. Springing with his paws
crossed, the puma would dash them
aside. His feet firmly planted, knife
in his left hand, machete in his right,
the Indian stands forward. He has
one blow, in midair. If it fails-if the
skull be not cleft like an apple-brute
and man roll over in hideous embrace.
At such a time the comrade seldom
wanted in jaguar hunting would be
invaluable. But when an Indian sets
out Intentionally to track a puma he
goes alone. SO did his fathers and so
does he.
Very, very rarely a iaguar springs
with his paws crossed, and then
there is wailing and in the IT,
grero's hut. For the spears upon
which he relied are twisted from his
grasp, and the huge beast falls upon
him kneeling. If the compadre with
the machete be true the tiger has
probably two victims instead of one.
The single chance OF these poor In
dams lies with their dogs, and it is but
very small one. Jaguars with this
uncomfortable habit are scarce, how
eyer-if it be more than an accident
None of the ranchero's Indians had
seen ease, though that fact proves
little. Witnesses OF the phenomenon
rarely survive. From BeLgrag1G.