Strung out along its entire length are the Andes Mountains. Here among these rocky peaks, life goescivilized and wild has learnt to thrive.
In Torres Del Paine National Park, pumas have found a refuge. A young female stakes out her territory. She'll range over 60 square miles in search of food.
The puma's main prey is the guanaco, the camel of the Andes. Catching one is not easy. The herd keeps alert while grazing, ready to flee at a moment’s notice.
Even after a successful hunt, repeat meals aren't guaranteed. While the puma sleeps, grey foxes discover her catch, and snatch a bite. It attracts the attention of condors gliding overhead.Outweighed and out-numbered, the foxes scamper away, leaving the carcass to be stripped clean by the condors.
When times are lean, pumas will take their chances with other prey. Most of Chile's agriculture is centered around the coastal low lands, but these wild open spaces make excellentranching.
The puma has yet to learn that hunting sheep can make herself the hunted. Though protected by law within the park, they are fair game outside. Ranchers place large bounties on pumas, and will shoot on sight.
She manages to escape, reappearing in a few days later. This female has learned an important lesson about surviving in the Andes. In time, she will develop her hunting skills, she will use them to feed her cubs, and continue the puma’s role in a rugged, majestic environment of the Chilean Andes.
