A 60-year-old worker, identified as Jorge Avalo, was killed by a jaguar on a farm along the Miranda River in the Pantanal region known as Touro Morto, in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul. The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, April 21, triggering a complex search operation that culminated in the discovery of parts of the victim’s body in the animal’s lair. During the rescue, the Environmental Military Police (PMA) team and volunteers were ambushed by the same jaguar, which injured one of the participants. The operation, involving helicopters, drones, and the victim’s family, highlighted the challenges of working in remote Pantanal areas, where encounters with wildlife can be dangerous.
The tragedy came to light around 9 a.m. on Monday when a boatman passing through the Touro Morto fishing spot noticed bloodstains and Jorge’s personal belongings, such as his cellphone and flip-flops, scattered near a wooden deck. Tracks on the ground suggested the worker tried to flee but was overtaken by the animal. The Environmental Military Police were immediately notified and confirmed the presence of an adult jaguar’s paw prints alongside fragments of the victim’s body, launching an intensive search in the dense forest area.
The Touro Morto region, located at the confluence of the Miranda and Aquidauana rivers, is known for its frequent jaguar sightings, drawn by abundant prey and proximity to inhabited areas. Jorge, who had worked at the fishing spot for about 20 years, had previously mentioned the regular presence of jaguars, though he had never been attacked before. The search operation faced challenges due to rising river levels, typical of the early rainy season, and thick vegetation that limited visibility and land access.
Context of the attack
Jorge Avalo’s case reignited discussions about the safety of rural workers in isolated Pantanal regions, where encounters with predators are part of daily life. Experts note that jaguar attacks on humans are rare but can occur in specific situations, such as the presence of cubs, scarcity of prey, or practices that alter animal behavior. The Touro Morto area has recorded instances of “seva,” an illegal practice involving offering food to attract jaguars, often for tourism purposes. While there is no evidence linking this practice directly to the attack, it is considered a risk factor, as it can habituate jaguars to human presence.
The victim, known as Jorginho among locals, was a familiar figure at the fishing spot, where he performed maintenance and caretaking duties. He leaves behind two children and will be mourned in Anastácio, a town near Aquidauana. Formal identification of the remains will be conducted through DNA testing due to the body’s condition, as it was partially consumed by the animal. The Civil Police initially registered the case as a disappearance but, after locating the remains, reclassified it as death by undetermined cause, opening an inquiry to investigate the incident’s circumstances.
Details of the search operation
The search for Jorge’s body began Monday afternoon, with PMA teams reaching the site, accessible only by boat or helicopter. The initial operation, lasting about three hours, was halted at dusk without locating the remains. On Tuesday morning, April 22, the teams resumed work, reinforced by the Fire Department, family members, and local guides familiar with the area. Around 6 a.m., Jorge’s brother-in-law, accompanied by the victim’s brother and a PMA sergeant, found parts of the body about 300 meters from the attack’s starting point, in a dense forest area.
- Challenges faced: Rising levels of the Miranda and Aquidauana rivers hindered access, requiring helicopters.
- Technology used: Drones mapped the dense vegetation, aiding in locating the animal’s lair.
- Community involvement: Family and friends, including the brother-in-law known as Magrão, played a key role in pinpointing the site.
- Rescue risks: The jaguar, still roaming the area, attacked the team, injuring the wrist of a volunteer named Paulo.
The jaguar’s presence during the rescue made the operation even more perilous. Agents reported that the animal attempted to protect the remains, dragging the body another 50 meters before being confronted. To deter the jaguar, the PMA fired warning shots, though it is unclear if the animal was hit. After the confrontation, the team recovered the victim’s lower limbs, which were sent for analysis at the Regional Forensic Medicine Unit in Aquidauana.
History of jaguar coexistence
Jorge Avalo had previously expressed concern about jaguars in the area. A week before the attack, he appeared in a video recorded by another worker, warning about the tracks of two jaguars near the house where he worked. In the footage, he jokingly addressed the risk of being attacked, while his colleague, calling him “brother-in-law,” made light-hearted remarks. “The jaguar’s gonna eat Jorge, Dão!” the man said, to which Jorge replied, “No, it won’t!” The images, which spread on social media after the tragedy, show fresh jaguar tracks and highlight the locals’ familiarity with the animals’ presence.
Coexisting with jaguars is a reality in the Pantanal, one of the largest sanctuaries for the species in South America. The biome is estimated to host around 4,000 jaguars, a significant but threatened population due to deforestation, wildfires, and human conflicts. The proximity between farms, fishing spots, and the jaguars’ natural habitat increases the likelihood of encounters, especially during the rainy season when animals move in search of food or territory. Despite this, fatal attacks are rare, with only two recorded in the Pantanal in the past five years, including Jorge’s case.
Impact on the local community
Jorge Avalo’s death deeply affected the residents of Touro Morto and nearby areas, where the worker was known for his dedication and good rapport with fishermen and tourists. On social media, messages of condolence highlighted Jorginho’s bravery, living alone at the fishing spot and facing the challenges of an isolated region. The tragedy also raised questions about the safety of rural workers in areas with high predator density, particularly those operating without immediate support in emergencies.
The Environmental Military Police emphasized the importance of preventive measures to minimize attack risks. Recommendations include avoiding walking alone in forested areas at dawn or dusk, when jaguars are most active, and keeping distance from spots where the animals are frequently sighted. The practice of “seva” was noted as a factor that can exacerbate conflicts by habituating jaguars to humans. While there is no evidence that Jorge engaged in this practice, the Touro Morto region has seen similar cases investigated by the PMA in the past year.
Incident timeline
The attack and search for Jorge Avalo’s body followed a sequence of events that mobilized authorities and the local community. Below are the key moments:
- Dawn of April 21: Jorge is attacked by a jaguar at the Touro Morto fishing spot deck, around 5:30 a.m.
- Morning of April 21: A boatman discovers bloodstains and personal items, alerting the PMA at 9 a.m.
- Afternoon of April 21: PMA teams begin searches with helicopters and drones, suspending the operation at dusk.
- Morning of April 22: Brother-in-law, brother, and sergeant locate body parts at 6 a.m.; jaguar attacks team during rescue.
- Afternoon of April 22: Remains are sent to Aquidauana; case is recorded as death by undetermined cause.
Authorities’ actions
The Aquidauana Civil Police took over the investigation, which will be treated as death by undetermined cause until forensic reports are finalized. The criminal forensics team was called to analyze the attack site and remains, while the on-duty funeral service arranged the body’s transfer to Anastácio, where Jorge will be mourned. The PMA stated there are no plans to hunt the jaguar responsible, prioritizing team safety and the victim’s funeral. This decision reflects the policy of preserving the species, considered vital to the Pantanal’s ecological balance.
The use of helicopters and drones was critical in overcoming the region’s geographical barriers. The river flooding, which can raise the Miranda’s level by up to two meters in days, required complex logistics, with teams navigating flooded areas and dense forest. The involvement of family members, such as Magrão, was praised by agents, who commended the group’s determination. “I found Jorge, you know? God guided me right, I knew where he’d be,” Magrão said after locating the remains.
Risks and challenges in the Pantanal
Working in remote Pantanal areas demands preparation and caution, especially in places like Touro Morto, where jaguars are a constant presence. Jorge Avalo, living alone at the fishing spot, faced these risks daily but maintained a routine of property care and visitor interaction. His 20 years of experience in the area were not enough to prevent the attack, which may have been triggered by factors like the jaguar’s proximity or an instinctive reaction.
The rainy season’s river flooding exacerbates safety challenges in the region. Wildlife, including jaguars, alligators, and capybaras, move to higher ground, often near farms and fishing spots. This seasonal migration increases the likelihood of human encounters, especially in areas with reduced natural prey. The illegal “seva” practice remains an issue in parts of the Pantanal, luring jaguars closer to human settlements and creating risky situations.
Preventive measures
The Environmental Military Police and wildlife experts recommend several measures to reduce the risk of jaguar attacks in rural areas:
- Avoid walking alone in forested areas at dawn or dusk.
- Install fences and physical barriers on properties near jaguar habitats.
- Monitor tracks and signs of jaguar presence, reporting to environmental authorities.
- Stop practices that attract animals, such as leaving food scraps or offering bait.
- Train rural workers to recognize risky behaviors and respond to emergencies.
These guidelines aim to balance human safety with the protection of an iconic Pantanal species. The jaguar, the largest feline in the Americas, plays a critical role in controlling prey populations, such as capybaras and deer, but its proximity to human areas requires coexistence strategies to minimize conflicts.
Repercussion and mourning
Jorge Avalo’s death caused widespread grief among fishermen, residents, and tourists who frequented the Touro Morto fishing spot. On social media, messages of solidarity highlighted the worker’s simplicity and dedication, known for his hospitality and regional knowledge. “Jorginho was an incredible person, always smiling. It’s heartbreaking what happened,” wrote a fisherman in a local group. The tragedy also renewed calls for better support for rural workers in isolated areas, including access to emergency communication and wildlife training.
Jorge’s funeral is scheduled to take place in Anastácio, attended by family, friends, and community members. DNA testing, necessary due to the remains’ condition, will formally confirm the victim’s identity, closing a painful chapter for those who knew him. The Environmental Military Police continue to monitor the Touro Morto area for new jaguar tracks, while the investigation moves forward to clarify the attack’s circumstances.
