Brazil: Illegal hunting ring dismantled and cougar released

In Valparaíso, São Paulo, the Environmental Policing Special Group (GEPAAR) dismantled an organized illegal hunting operation targeting wild boars. Following an anonymous tip, police intercepted two men and a woman using sophisticated equipment, including GPS collars, radios, and a camera-equipped hat to coordinate the hunt. Authorities seized two unregistered .12 caliber shotguns, ammunition, motorcycles, and four hunting dogs.

Separately, in Mato Grosso, a male cougar named Guaraná has been released back into the wild after a nine-month recovery process. Rescued in late 2025 in a debilitated state—suffering from dehydration, malnutrition, and broken teeth—the animal gained over 15kg during treatment by organizations including Onçafari and SEMA. Guaraná was released into the São Francisco do Perigara Reserve, where he will be tracked using GPS and camera traps to monitor his adaptation.