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We all know cats don’t like water - but the biggest cat in Belize, the jaguar can be known to take the occasional dip - as long as it gets him closer to what he’s hunting.  

And that’s what someone captured today between Placencia and Mango Creek.  The video shows a group in a boat coming up on a figure bobbing across the lagoon.  As they get closer you see a magnificent and rare sight: a jaguar capably swimming across the lagoon.  

The boat slows for the picture, and the jaguar appears unfazed as he makes his way to one of the mangrove islands. This area - on the Mango Creek side - is known to have jaguar sightings.  

Jaguars in general are very secretive animals that move in stealth, but they often traverse waters and swamps to get to prey. Research says the apex predator can also hold its breath underwater for a few minutes at a time.