Sometimes they patrol to find their prey but sometimes, they just wait, and the prey come to them. When attacking, they can dive directly from a branch into a river, completely submerging themselves, and usually re-surfacing with its kill. When they succeed in their hunts, they usually go into the forest, taking their prey, to eat it, in privacy. Unfortunately, I have never seen them feed during the day, having to guess that they were in fact doing so.
On a hot day, we usually return to the lodge for lunch and some rest, returning in the afternoon to the river. Sometimes, we do all day “runs” as we might go far away up the river, or we just want more time.
The adventure does not end on the river, as we always have the chance to find jaguar on the world famous Transpantaneira road, and we sometimes take a ride in a truck, at dusk, with a flood light.
From a personal angle, I have to admit that I have never been intimidated by a puma, but jaguars are a different thing. Walking in the forest, or just making a comfort stop at the shore, is something we do with a lot of care. Or course, we find an open area, look carefully and then, try to do our business as fast as possible.
However, I also have to say that spotting one, under the cover of the forest, or just relaxing on a big branch, absolutely always makes my day. If I can witness a hunt, cubs or mating, the day is more interesting. I just love being on the river, waiting for something to happen, even with the horse flies and the heat.