Wild Felid Attacks on Humans in South and Central America: A 2014-2025 Case Series in French Guiana and Literature...

Wild felids are apex predators that play a crucial role in tropical ecosystems. In South America, interactions between humans and large felids-particularly jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor)-are increasingly reported, raising public concern. However, attacks on humans remain poorly documented, and their frequency is likely overestimated. This study assessed the scale of wild felid attacks in French Guiana and South America through a case series and literature review. We conducted a retrospective observational study of all wild felid attacks managed in healthcare facilities in French Guiana between January 2014 and December 2025. Cases were identified through hospital emergency departments, the regional rabies treatment center, and remote clinics. Medical records were reviewed for sociodemographic data, circumstances, clinical outcomes, and management. A systematic literature review (ie, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO, and LILACS) identified documented attacks involving South American wild felids from 1990 to 2025. Reports involving captive animals or lacking methodologic detail were excluded. Four attacks were recorded in French Guiana, with no fatalities, although 1 case led to significant sequelae. The literature review identified 11 events, mainly attributed to jaguars and occasionally pumas. Attacks were rare and often linked to contextual factors such as forest proximity, domestic animals, or impaired animal condition. Severe injuries were reported, including 3 fatal cases. Wild felid attacks on humans remain exceptionally rare in South America and are usually associated with identifiable environmental or anthropogenic factors rather than inherent aggressiveness. Habitat preservation and reduced human-wildlife overlap are key preventive strategies.