Latest update January 30th, 2025 6:10 AM
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Jaguar capture brings relief to East Coast Demerara cattle farmers
The long reign of a 250-pound jaguar in the East Coast Demerara backlands was halted on Sunday night when the animal was finally killed by a group of frustrated cattle farmers.
This was after the farmers had already lost about 40 head of cattle over a six-month period.
The large male cat, which had been wreaking havoc in the East Coast Demerara backlands between Ann’s Grove and Buxton, was killed aback of the village of Nabaclis around 19:00 hours on Sunday.
Cattle farmer Marlon Anderson holds up a leg of the large cat as he explains its capture to other curious villagers.
Since last year the farmers had long suspected that a large cat was responsible for the deaths of their animals, since paw tracks were always visible near the abandoned carcasses.
But the farmers never actually set eyes on the killer until Sunday.
Marlon Anderson, one of the affected cattle farmers, told Kaieteur News that he went into the backlands where he and others normally left their cattle to graze to check on the animals.
“I see de fresh tracks and I come out back and get help because I know he deh around.”
Anderson explained that they later returned to the area where the tracks were seen and using a dog to lure the cat, they set up an ambush for it. Sure enough the jaguar fell for the bait.
“While he coming, de dog mek a sound and we doctor he when he come fuh de dog,” Anderson told Kaieteur News, adding that it would have been difficult to take the animal alive.
When the animal was brought out to the village, several residents stared in amazement at its size. Many of them, especially those who rear cattle were relieved at its demise.
“This thing deh since last year. Is about 40 cows he done throw down,” he added.
However, despite the euphoria that prevailed at the large cat’s slaying, the farmers are still wary that it may not be the end.
There were reported sightings of a large female jaguar with her young one roaming a section of the backlands.
Farmers have indicated that they will be applying for licences to carry shotguns to protect their animals, which they are forced to rear in the backlands of their villages.
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