But it is the next canyon north of this one that has the most mystique because of the almost mystical jaguar.

The updated story of Brown Canyon's Jaguar Canyon Trail began in 1996 when Tucson researcher Jack Childs took a now-much-publicized videotape and still photographs of a jaguar that his dogs treed just north of the canyon.

Two years later Buenos Aires manager Wayne Shifflet revealed that a cowboy rounding up leftover cattle came upon a jaguar dining on a deer carcass. There have also been several unsubstantiated sightings in the area since.

For the spotted jaguars (Panthera onca) living in the Sierra Madre Mountains of northern Chihuahua and Sonora, Mexico, the Baboquivari Mountains may have been and still are part of a northern migratory route that passes through or near Jaguar Canyon. The animals have been known to roam hundreds of miles from their home territory in search of food or a mate.

The plentiful deer and javelina of the current refuge may be enticing menu items for the Mexican cats. The rugged, forested desert canyons might also provide protected habitats for these secretive felines, along with the occasional stream-fed watering pool.

The jaguar is the largest naturally occurring cat in the Western Hemisphere and is the only Western Hemisphere feline that roars. Individuals can reach a weight of up to 300 pounds.

To probe the mystery if only in the imagination, Shifflet and Refuge recreation planner Bonnie Swarbrick led a select Jaguar Canyon exploration party recently into a scenic forest land of sycamore and oak. All of Brown Canyon is open to hikers only by reservation.

A stream was visible above ground in only a few spots, but the lush riparian foliage suggested that water was not far beneath the ground. High grasses, scratching shrubs, and poison ivy along the rough trail slowed the hikers down in a few spots.

There were snakeweed plants, undesirable invasive species that can only be eradicated by fire. Hair-snare traps placed by the Refuge and the Arizona Game & Fish Department were evident low on several tree trunks - at big-cat rubbing level - but none has any hair strands or tufts snagged in their velcro collecting panels.

The hike is moderate, about three miles one-way and 700 feet in elevation gain, leading to a high overlook near the origin of the canyon. There are spectacular views through Brown Canyon eastward across the vast refuge to the Santa Rita Mountains.

The Buenos Aires Visitor Center, 30 miles south of Three Points on Arizona Highway 186, is planning a jaguar exhibit. It will feature a jaguar mount fabricated by using a genuine skin confiscated by U.S. Customs as it was being smuggled into the country from Brazil.

One can appreciate the majesty and immensity of this incredible feline only by standing in front of such a life-size specimen. The experience almost defies description. This is definitely not your standard neighborhood stray cat.

Stephen H. Buck leads "The Pathfinders," a private Tucson hiking group.

BUENOS AIRES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Location: The headquarters is 38 miles south of Robles Junction/Three Points. Refuge includes Arivaca Cienega and Arivaca Creek and Brown Canyon, all via State Highway 286.

Features: Arivaca Cienega, Arivaca Lake nature trails, Mustang Trail hiking, Brown Canyon birding and hiking (private parties), equestrian, mountain biking, exploring back roads, nature workshops and tours.

Scheduled activities: Free bird walks, Arivaca Cienega, 8 a.m. Saturday mornings through April, 1/4 mile east of Arivaca on Arivaca Road; Brown Canyon guided hikes, second and fourth Saturdays through April. $5 fee.

Coming up: Tracking workshop led Roseann and Jonathan Hanson, 2 p.m. Feb. 28 to 2 p.m. Feb. 29, lodging at Brown Canyon Environmental Education Center, $60 refuge members, $70 nonmembers; Nature Photography, March 12-13, A "Century of Changing Vegetation," April 24.

Next Event: Recreation director Bonnie Swarbrick present a talk on "What's New at Buenos Aires" from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the Conrad-Joyner Green Valley Branch Library.

Events information: (520) 823-4251, Ext. 116.