394 THE PUMA. 



kills it. Darwin states that he has frequently seen skeletons 

 of huanucus with their necks thus dislocated. 



In the Amazonian forests the puma is not so common as 

 the jaguar. The colour of its fur resembles that of the deer 

 in these forests. The natives call it the sassu-ardna, or the 

 false deer, as it frequently, in consequence, deceives them at 

 first sight. " It was from this name being misspelt that it 

 is called the cuguacuarana, the first c being soft," observes 

 Bates. Hence the name cougar, employed by French zoolo- 

 gists, and copied in most works on natural history. The 

 hunters do not fear it, describing it as a coward ; and such, 

 in spite of its strength, it undoubtedly is. Still, instances 

 have occurred of its killing human beings. 



It is often found at an elevation of upwards of 10,000 feet. 

 After killing an animal and eating its fill, it covers over the 

 carcass with bushes, and lies down to watch it. This habit fre- 

 quently causes its destruction, for the condors, attracted by the 

 carcass, assemble from far and near to their expected feast, when 

 the puma springs out to drive them off. The gauchos of the 

 Pampas, observing the birds rise together on the wing, hurry 

 with men and dogs to the chase. Whirling their bolas round 

 their heads, they quickly entangle the animal's limbs, and then, 

 throwing their lassoes over it, drag it along the ground till 

 rendered insensible, when its brains are quickly beaten out. 

 In Chili it is hunted with dogs, or, driven up a tree, is easily 

 shot. It is noted for its craft. When once it has been be- 

 trayed when watching a carcass, and has managed to make its 

 escape, it is said never to resume that habit. When pursued 

 it will stop and spring on one side, and wait till the dogs 

 have passed by. Unlike the jaguar, which is among the most 

 noisy of beasts of prey, the puma seldom utters any sound, 



