Is there puma risk?
The chance of attack by puma (similar to the North American cougar) is miniscule.
The chance to see a puma is miniscule, despite the fact that Cuzco is laid out in the shape of a puma.
We have heard of no encounters on Salcantay but in March 1998 a fisherman was attacked and killed when he disturbed a puma eating its prey on the shore of Lago Sarmiento in Patagonia.
If you are approached by a puma, be aggressive making noise & waving your arms. If attacked, fight back as if your life depends on it. It does.
Storing food safely
At night you should cache food out of reach of animals, including fox & mice. We keep ours in the tent, but sealed in air tight kayak bags.
Domestic animals have been known to damage tents trying to get at food, especially salty food.
Are there any dangerous snakes?
None we are aware of.
But poisonous ophidians (snake-like reptiles) of the Bothrops species are known in the Machu Picchu region. Some trekking companies carry a treatment in case hikers are bitten. The risk is very small, however.
