Imagine traveling with a group and a wildlife guide through Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, camera in hand, when you see a puma in the distance. Then, imagine the puma approaches your group and stands next to you calmly. Do you even breathe in this moment?
This happened to a group led by Felipe Román, a naturalist, guide, and wildlife photographer who operates in Torres del Paine. Román shared the video to Instagram for the online community to enjoy and ponder what they’d do in this situation.
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“Today, in an unforgettable moment, while we were observing [the puma] from a prudent distance, she unexpectedly approached us,” Román wrote in his Instagram post sharing the video. “Without showing any signs of stress or anxiety, the majestic feline positioned herself beside us as she searched for food. Her movement was surprisingly natural, without haste or pressure, allowing us to enjoy her presence in a unique way. It was a privilege to witness this intimate and tranquil encounter in the impressive surroundings of Torres del Paine, where our connection with nature reached its fullest expression.”
Watch as a puma approaches a group of photographers in Torres del Paine: