LÁBREA, AMAZONAS, BRAZIL – AUGUST 20, 2025 Chief of the Rio Tumiã indigenous community, named Jamil, was attacked by a jaguar while walking through the forest near the village in the morning. The wild animal caused him numerous injuries, mainly to his arms and head. He was very lucky to survive.
Community members provided first aid and called an ambulance. Due to the distance and severity of his injuries, he had to be transported by helicopter to a hospital in Lábrea, where he remains hospitalized. His current condition is stable.
Videos show doctors cleaning, disinfecting, and stitching his wounds shortly after his arrival at the hospital. Jamil will also receive rabies vaccination, a tetanus booster, and preventive antibiotic therapy.
If you encounter a jaguar in the wild, the most important thing is to remain calm. Do not panic or run, as jaguars perceive movement as a prey signal. Rapid movements trigger their hunting instincts. It is also recommended to raise your arms or open a jacket to appear larger. Move slowly toward a safe place.
If the animal attacks, protect your neck and fight back. Use objects like sticks, stones, or a backpack to distract it. Aim strikes at sensitive areas, such as the eyes and head. Remember, the goal is to scare it off, not to kill it.
Of course, prevention is best: avoid contact with jaguars entirely. Do not enter jaguar areas unarmed, stay in open spaces, avoid walking alone in the jungle, and do not leave food scraps behind.
