Photographers Defend Close Encounter with Famous Puma Dania in Chile

A viral video showing a wild puma named Dania walking through a group of photographers in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, has sparked online criticism. The photographers, led by Belen Etchegaray, defended their actions, stating they remained still on the road and followed tracker instructions. The municipality of Torres del Paine contacted the group about a lack of safe sighting protocols. Dania, identifiable by a cut on her left ear, is part of a well-managed population of about 200 pumas in the region, known for ecotourism. The video, shared by Nature Unedited on July 13, 2026, shows Dania stalking a guanaco. Critics called the behavior irresponsible, but Etchegaray emphasized they never approached the puma and always respected distances advised by guides.