New information in Arizona jaguar case

April 3, 12:08 PMPhoenix Pet News ExaminerStacy Mantle

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MachoB was considered to be the oldest living
wild jaguar. Photo Credit: AZ Game & Fish

New information in the Arizona collared jaguar case has caused investigators to order a probe into the capture procedures of the Arizona Game and Fish department.

"After an Arizona congressman questioned the department's plan to conduct its own probe and urged a federal investigation, Game and Fish announced that the state Attorney General's Office would step in."

The diagnosis of "extreme kidney failure" that resulted in the 15-16 year old jaguar, the oldest known jaguar in the wild, could have been a sign of simple dehydration.

According to a pathologist who examined tissue samples of the animal, there is a belief that the decision to euthanize was a result of faulty information. Authorities are also questioning whether the decision to trap and collar a jaguar was intentional or an accidental capture that occured during a study.

Authorities are currently discussing a conservation plan for jaguars in Arizona.

See the official press release at AZ Central.