Forestry Department investigates killing of a Jaguar

The Forestry Department is currently investigating the killing of a jaguar up north. Two officers of the department are currently in Sarteneja Village, in the Corozal district where the vicious act occurred. Today, on the social media, a picture of the dead animal was posted by a resident of that area. According to that post, the jaguar surfaced months ago and begun terrorizing villagers. Farmers have complained of the loss of numerous livestock including pigs, horses, cows and even dogs. Considered ferocious, the jaguar apparently charged at a villager this morning near the entrance of the village; the Sarteneja resident allegedly responded by aiming his rifle at the predatory female cat. But there is some outrage because the jaguar had a cub that was left behind. Others in the village, however, say that they were left with no choice after the Forestry Department failed to respond promptly. The killing of the jaguar has caused conflict within the community where some believe that the animal should have been shot with a tranquilizer, captured and relocated in order to protect our Belizean wildlife. Jaguars are protected animals; Belize has one of the healthiest populations.