Arizona weekly enterprise., 1888-05-26
INDIAN TIGREROS.
How They Spear Pumas and Jaguars in
 Costa Rica Forests

Costa Rica Forests
 A couple of spears, one long and one shorter, made the equipment of the tigrero. Their dogs were big. slouch- ing, light-colored animals, were evil dently related related to the coyote. Dangerous 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 domesticity, and seldom succeeds in learning true bark until the third.
 We asked why one dollar was granted for a slain puma, and but fifty cents for a jaguar, seeing that the latter ani- nal is so much more dangerous and destructive. It appears that, in the fashion of hunting to which these h. dians obstinately adhere, the less ter rible beast causes the greater loss of life. Tigreros go 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 go far when reused. So soon as it is thor oughly conveyed to his mind that these intruders wish to see him personally he turns with roar that always gives sufficient warning to such practiced shikaris. A moment afterward he comes trotting up. The foremost In- dian kneels, holding a spear in either hand, the long one farthercst out-his companion stands at the side The jaguar does not pause, bnt gathering himself up. cleaves the air in mighty bound, his fore legs wide asunder and claws hooked to rend. Very seldom does it happen that the long spears fails to transfix his unprotected chest, or the shorter one his throat.
 Such is not the puma's conduct: When disturbed he skulks swiftly through the brushwood, and commonly escapes. In following jaguar 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 a 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 time the comrade seldom wanted in jaguar hunting would be in valuable. But when an Indian sets out Intentionally to track puma he goes alone. So did his fathers and so does he.
 Very, very rarely a jaguar springs with his paws crossed, and then there is wailing in the tigrero's hut. For the spears upon which he relied are twisted from his grasp, and the huge beast falls upon him kneeling. If the com padre with the machete be true the ti- ger has probably two victims instead of one. The single chance of these poor Indians lies with their dogs, and it is but very small one. Jaguars with this uncomfortable habit are scarce, however-if it be more than an accident. None of the ranchero's h. dians had seen case, though that fact proves little. Witnesses of the phe- nomenon rarely survive BeIqravsa.