Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Puma in the jungle of northwestern Belize

While on an early morning private birding tour (just the guide and me) deep in the jungle of northwestern Belize, this puma crossed the trail ahead of us while tracking peccaries. Upon seeing us she darted back in the direction she had come. After waiting a few minutes I slowly continued onwards, with camera aimed into the dense vegetation. I finally saw her staring at me with a passing curiosity. She allowed me several frames before she turned and casually disappeared into the dense vegetation.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: jungle, Belize
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Copyright: © Matthew Patchett