Overview
- Officials recovered the puma's body from the Cacique Guaymallén canal at Mayor Drummond on Thursday and transferred it to Ecoparque Mendoza for study.
- Drowning is the leading hypothesis based on earlier reports of a floating body in the canal, but authorities have not confirmed the cause of death.
- Specialists say the animal showed shy, evasive behavior consistent with a wild juvenile likely in a natural dispersal phase.
- Fauna Silvestre and Policía Rural led a coordinated search under the province's Puma Action and Rescue Protocol after residents and security cameras reported sightings in Luján de Cuyo.
- Authorities warn they cannot confirm all reports were the same animal and advise residents to avoid approaching pumas, keep pets indoors, and report new sightings to officials.