📋 Case summary
- Date:Thursday, May 14, 2026
- Location:Cachoeira do Cordovil — Volta da Serra Sanctuary, Alto Paraíso de Goiás (9 km from São Jorge, 29 km from Alto Paraíso)
- Main victim:8-year-old girl — facial injuries, plastic surgery in Hran (Brasília), stable condition
- Also injured:Child's mother - scratch on her arm when defending her daughter, received rabies vaccine
- Animal:Puma (cougar) — was on the ground close to vegetation, fled into the forest after being scared away
- Immediate measure:Sanctuary suspended visitation to review safety protocols
🌿What really happened
The family had gone to Chapada dos Veadeiros to celebrate the girl's birthday, which was celebrated on Wednesday, May 13th. They went to Cachoeira do Cordovil to celebrate the date. Upon returning from the waterfall, the puma saw the group.
Contrary to what was initially reported, the cougar was not on top of a tree at the time of the attack: the animal was on the ground, close to vegetation. Scared, the feline fled into the woods after being scared away by the adults. The girl's father and a sanctuary employee came into direct confrontation with the puma to stop the attack — the employee even used his own backpack as a shield, taken by the animal during its escape.
The child was initially treated at the Municipal Hospital of Alto Paraíso. Given the complexity of the case, she was transferred to the Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal (HBDF) and then to Hran, a reference in plastic surgery in the DF. The surgery lasted the entire Friday morning, without complications. The evaluation indicated superficial lesions, without bone loss.
The mother was also injured: when she threw herself in front of her daughter to scare away the animal, she received a scratch on her arm and was vaccinated against rabies.
🐾Cougar behavior: why this case is rare
The puma — also called cougar or puma — has discreet and solitary habits, and naturally avoids contact with people. Guide Janna, with more than 10 years of activity in the region's nature, declared that she had never seen one on the trails during her expeditions.
"I myself, in more than 10 years of activities in nature in Chapada dos Veadeiros, have never seen a puma on the trails. Attacks like this are extremely rare."
— Janna, Chapada dos Veadeiros tour guide
Biologist and master in Ecology Vitor Sena reinforces the exceptionality of the case and calls for balance in the public reaction:
"Attacks are extremely rare and generally occur due to unexpected approaches, defensive reactions or the presence of puppies. It is important to take care of the victim, but avoid villainizing the animal — the occurrence is completely outside the expected behavior of the species."
— Vitor Sena, biologist and master in Ecology
According to experts, the increase in sightings in tourist areas is due to urban expansion and the fragmentation of the cerrado habitat. It's not that the animal "invaded" the city: it's us who are occupying areas increasingly closer to natural habitats. In most cases, upon noticing human presence, the cougar simply retreats and leaves.
🛡️What to do if you encounter a mountain lion on the trail
After the incident, tour guides and inn owners in Chapada dos Veadeiros published safety protocols. The guidelines are unanimous:
Keep calm
Don't panic. Sudden reactions can provoke the animal's predatory instinct. Control the group.
Never run
Running activates the feline's chase instinct. This is the most serious and dangerous mistake you can make.
Look bigger
Raise your arms, open your coat, lift your backpack above your head. Speak firmly and loudly to intimidate.
Retreat from the front
Never turn your back on the feline. Maintain eye contact and leave the area slowly, always facing forward.
Children on lap
If you are with children, pick them up immediately. Children on the move are more vulnerable.
Avoid peak times
The puma is most active at dawn and dusk. Avoid isolated trails during these periods and prefer a guide.
⚠️ Additional safety rules
- Do not approach or attempt to photograph— keeping your distance is essential
- Never try to feed or corner the animal— defensive reaction can be violent
- Stay in group— united presence inhibits predatory behavior
- Don't go hiking alone in isolated areas, especially at dawn and dusk
- In case of an effective attack, react— use the backpack as a shield, make noise, fight
🧭Is Chapada dos Veadeiros still safe?
Yes. Cougar attacks on humans are absolutely exceptional events. Chapada receives tens of thousands of tourists per year — and this type of occurrence is rare to the point that there is no previous recent record in the region. The Volta da Serra Sanctuary acted responsibly by temporarily suspending visits to review protocols and signage.
Local guide philosophy
Chapada dos Veadeiros is extraordinary and, precisely for this reason, it deserves to be experienced with respect and preparation. An experienced driver adapts the itinerary to deliver the best of each visit — and, in unexpected moments such as a fauna sighting, knows exactly what to do. This is the irreplaceable value of being accompanied.
❓FAQ
Is the Volta da Serra Sanctuary open for visits?
At the time of publishing this article, visitors to the sanctuary were temporarily suspended to review security protocols. We recommend confirming directly with the location before planning your visit to Cachoeira do Cordovil.
Should I cancel my trip to Chapada dos Veadeiros?
No. This episode is rare and isolated. Chapada dos Veadeiros is one of the safest and most extraordinary ecotourism destinations in Brazil. With an experienced guide and the necessary precautions, your visit will be memorable and peaceful.
What should I do if I am attacked by a cougar?
React actively. Use objects as a shield (backpack, branches), make noise, scream and resist. The goal is to show that you are not easy prey. Seek medical help immediately, including rabies vaccination.
How can I reduce the risk of risky encounters with cougars on trails?
Make noise while walking — the cougar tends to retreat when it senses human presence. Always walk in a group, avoid isolated trails at dawn and dusk, and count on a local guide who knows the behavior of the fauna and the state of each attraction.
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Brazilian, father, born in Rio, Italian descent, systems analyst from PUC-Rio, Diego Navi left the office for the cerrado and founded Guia Chapada Veadeiros in 2017. Fluent in English and Spanish, he has safely led hundreds of groups through Chapada dos Veadeiros in every season since 2009 and knows every waterfall, trail and corner of this gateway to the Earth.