Puma in check:
How domestic dogs influence the behavior of a top predator

Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) occur widely in protected areas, yet their effects on native carnivores remain poorly quantified. We used camera traps and two-species occupancy models to investigate dog impacts on puma (Puma concolor) space use and activity patterns in Atlantic Forest protected areas of São Paulo, Brazil. Across 67 systematically positioned camera stations, we found that dogs were associated with changes in puma temporal behavior but not spatial occupancy. Pumas exhibited temporal avoidance of dog activity, taking approximately 74 h to return to camera sites after dog detections, compared to shorter intervals following other species. Natural vegetation positively influenced puma occupancy, but this effect was reduced when dogs were present. Dogs did not spatially exclude pumas, suggesting context-dependent behavioral responses rather than competitive displacement. These patterns are consistent with the hypothesis that pumas perceive dogs as a localized disturbance to avoid temporally rather than as territorial competitors. Given the potential for cascading effects on prey and mesopredator communities, our results emphasize the need for improved dog management in protected areas. Recommended actions include responsible pet ownership programs, spay/neuter initiatives, and enforcement of access restrictions. Effective implementation requires collaboration among protected area managers, local communities, and regional authorities to balance conservation goals with human livelihoods in Neotropical landscapes.