Pantanal--News

　　
Capybura-the world’s largest rodent- abounded and larger mammals could also be seen, such as this giant ant eater.

Sadly this imposing but harmless creature is frequently shot on sight by locals despite it not being a pest or providing meat or fur。

I myself was a few minutes off encountering an obviously very large jaguar. We came across a very large ox. Although still standing, it was missing a large chunk of the back of its neck and was bleeding profusely from the gaping new wound. Very soon it collapsed and died. Then we heard shots. The local farmers had obviously pursued the villain. We left without hearing whether their beautiful savage quarry had been slain. I am still of two minds as to whether I would like to have seen that jaguar when it was planning to down the oxen.

Copyright Mark Berthold 2006