VIDEO: jaguar cubs run along MT road

Two jaguar cubs were spotted running along the MT-560, between the municipalities of Sorriso and Ipiranga do Norte, in Mato Grosso. The video was recorded on August 12, 2026, but gained repercussions this week on social media. Upon noticing the approach of a vehicle, the animals flee towards the forest.

The record was made by driver Cláudio Giovan Kirschke, who was passing along the road during a trip. In the images, the first cub appears in the middle of the highway and then the second animal appears and joins its brother (watch above).

"The first time I see him. What a beautiful animal!", he commented.

At g1, biologist Álvaro Silva analyzed the images. For him, the behavior of the puppies indicates that they were healthy and attentive.

🐆 Where is the mother jaguar?

According to the expert, the presence of the two cubs on the highway is not surprising, considering that Mato Grosso still has environmental conditions favorable to the occurrence of jaguars, where there are conditions for their survival.

“Based on the behavior observed, it is quite likely that the mother was nearby, especially considering that the puppies demonstrated that they were healthy, attentive, smart and agile when moving away from the vehicle,” he explained.

🚧 Highways threaten wild animals

In addition to deforestation and habitat loss, highways represent a threat to the survival of different species, as many roads do not have adequate structures, such as wildlife crossings that help guide them to safe crossing points.

Another problem highlighted by the biologist is the occurrence of intentional run-overs of wild animals. For him, species such as snakes, possums and wild dogs can also be victims of drivers who, out of fear, repulsion or because they consider these animals a threat, choose to run them over on purpose.

The expert also highlighted that fauna conservation depends not only on protecting habitats, but also on changing people's behavior.

"We need to understand that these animals are part of nature and play important roles in ecosystems. Fauna conservation also depends on a change in people's attitudes, respect and understanding of the importance of preserving wildlife", he concluded.

⚠️ Found a baby wild animal? Find out how to act

Álvaro also warns: finding a puppy alone does not mean that it is abandoned or needs to be rescued. In the case of jaguars, for example, females can temporarily leave their cubs in safe places while they go hunting and return later to feed and protect them. Therefore, unnecessary proximity can cause separation between mother and calf and compromise the calf's survival.

If the animal is in a risk situation, such as near a highway, the guidelines are:

🚫 Do not try to capture or transport the puppy on your own;

↔️ Keep your distance and avoid any approach;

🍃 Do not offer food or try to care for the animal;

📞 Contact environmental agencies or trained professionals to assess the situation;

🐾 Avoid staying close to the animal, allowing it to remain calm and the mother to return if she is nearby.

*Under the supervision of Kessillen Lopes.