Jaguar Stalking and Ambushing a Crocodile from the Water in Brazil

Jaguar was filmed stalking Yacare caiman as it basked on sandbank by Cuiaba River in Brazil’s Pantanal Wetlands
Could be seen gliding silently across river, before creeping onto small island and ferociously pouncing on its prey
Photographer Justin Black, 39, from Washington, who caught the attack on camera, described it as ‘astonishing

jaguar attack — jaguar was filmed launching a ferocious attack on a caiman as it basked in the sun in western Brazil

Jaguar Cuiaba River — Cuiaba River in the Pantanal Wetlands. Above, the jaguar glides silently across the river

Barely visible, it glides silently through the murky water, before creeping onto a sandbank and pouncing on its prey. This is the astonishing moment a jaguar launches a ferocious attack on an unsuspecting caiman as it basks in the sun in western Brazil.

Jaguar caiman relaxes — Jaguar’ by biologists in the region, is captured approaching the small island,

The 20-stone cat was filmed stalking the cold-blooded reptile while it lay on a sandbank by the Cuiaba River in the Pantanal Wetlands. It could be seen swimming quietly across the river, before sneaking onto the small island and sinking its teeth and claws into the back of its prey.

jaguar can be seen eagerly eyeing up the four-legged reptile as it creeps onto the sandbank

It then clung onto the panicked Yacare caiman as it thrashed around, before finally whisking its leathery body away in its strong jaws. Photographer Justin Black, 39, who caught the attack on camera, said: ‘He lifted the 150lb caiman from the ground and trotted toward the water like it was a doggie bone.

jaguar images — stealthy predator then sank its teeth and claws into the back of its unsuspecting prey

‘The fact he attacked from the water is astonishing, It was reminiscent of crocs attacking land animals in Africa.’ Mr Black, from Washington, U.S., had been on a boat with fellow photographer Jeff Foott when they had spotted the jaguar stalking the caiman. ‘He slowly entered the small channel and swam up directly behind the caiman, keeping his profile as low as possible,’ he said.

Jaguar Justin Black witnessed attack — Justin Black, 39, who witnessed the attack, said: ‘He lifted the 150lb caiman from the ground

‘Once at the edge he exploded from the water and onto the caiman’s back, swinging the claws of his right paw into its side. He then hooked the caiman with his left paw as well and went for a killing bite at the back of the skull – but he didn’t have a good angle. ‘In the process, his momentum carried them both into the water where he readjusted his position and his teeth found purchase on the back of the caiman’s neck.

jaguar attacked — attacked from the water is astonishing, It was reminiscent of crocs attacking land animals in Africa’

‘He then pushed the caiman into the water broadside – pushing a bow wave ahead of them as he swam. When he reached the opposite beach he quickly disappeared into the grasses with his kill.’ The battle-scarred jaguar is well-known to biologists, who have nicknamed him ‘Mick Jaguar’. He is estimated to be seven years old and is almost blind in his right eye, a likely result of numerous battles defending his territory.

jaguar defending territory — which is believed to be due to battles defending his territory

According to scientists, there are an estimated 4,000-7,000 Jaguars in the Pantanal. They have become specialist caiman killers and hunt during broad daylight, surprising the cold-blooded reptiles as they bask in the sun. They are also the largest and most powerful jaguars in South America, enabling them to take down larger prey.