How did another endangered Florida panther die? The killer was on the road
Another endangered Florida panther has died.
The animal was struck by a vehicle in the road near Fish Eating Creek Wildlife Management Area in Glades County, according to the the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The latest fatality involved a 2-year-old female. This marks the 12th fatality this year.
The FWC has updated the Panther Pulse web page with mortality information, starting on Jan. 2 when a a 2-year-old male was killed by a car in Collier County. Cause of death listed for all: “Vehicle.”
Florida panthers once roamed the entire Southeast region, but the current population is just around 230.
If you a see dead or injured panther, you are asked to call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). Biologists gain valuable information by examining the animal’s remains.
Florida residents can also support panther conservation efforts by purchasing a “Protect the Panther” license plate. Fees from sales are the primary funding source for the FWC’s research.
