Category

Land Animal

Location

Laguna Amarga Reserve, Patagonia

Gear

Canon R5, 300 mm lens (2.8) and 1.2x extender Settings - 420mm, f5.6, 1/250 and ISO 2,500

Description

The reserves that surround the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia have the greatest density of wild pumas anywhere in the world. These elusive and majestic mountain lions wander the hills and valleys, and are neither corralled nor contained, constrained only by the highest peaks that carve up this great landmass. My favourite puma in this region: An older female known as Blinka. Blind in one eye after being attacked as a cub, the region's Pirate Puma is nonetheless a fearless huntress. This particularly season, she was struggling after sustaining a severe leg injury. Limping and struggling to hunt effectively, her male cub helped keep her alive, assisting in her hunts and search for food. The connection between mother and son - seen here as they walk cheek to cheek - was more than evident. I hope this image can convey even a small part of that connection.

Photographer

virginia wilde

Social Media

Instagram: @wild.shores

Website: https://virginiawilde.com/

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