In Bauru, São Paulo, a female cougar was unexpectedly found in the garage of a home on the morning of September 17. It is believed the animal jumped over a high gate and became trapped in the garage, which is the residence of an elderly couple. The 92-year-old resident, who has vision problems, only noticed the cougar when it made a growling noise from a corner of the garage.

The local fire department was called to rescue the cougar, which is around 10 months old and weighs approximately 20 kg. Upon arrival, the fire brigade safely extracted the animal from the garage and transported it to the Municipal Zoo of Bauru for medical evaluation. The zoo staff has stated that, after a thorough check-up, the animal is expected to be released back into a safe natural habitat.

The incident highlights the occasional interactions between wild animals and urban environments, raising questions about wildlife management and the encroachment of urban development on natural habitats. The successful rescue operation ensured the safety of both the animal and the elderly residents, showcasing the importance of community support and emergency response services in such unusual situations.