The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has updated its Panther Pulse webpage, revealing a troubling start to May with four confirmed Florida panther deaths attributed to suspected vehicle collisions within the first nine days of the month.
The FWC’s latest data, released on Thursday, highlights the ongoing threat roadways pose to the state’s endangered big cats.
The four reported fatalities occurred in rapid succession across Collier and Hendry counties:
- May 6, 2025: The remains of a 2-to-3-year-old female panther, identified as UCFP487, were collected on State Road 29 in Collier County. A vehicle collision is the suspected cause of death.
- May 4, 2025: An estimated 6-to-8-month-old panther (UCFP486), sex unknown, was found dead on Josie Billie Highway in Hendry County. This young panther’s death is also suspected to be the result of a vehicle strike.
- May 2, 2025: A 4-to-5-year-old male panther (UCFP485) perished on County Road 832 (Keri Rd.) in Hendry County. The suspected cause of death was a vehicle collision.
- May 1, 2025: A male panther (UCFP484), approximately 1 to 1.25 years old, was collected from State Road 29, about 1.19 miles south of SR 82 in Collier County. This death is also suspected to have been caused by a vehicle collision.
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Vehicle strikes remain a primary cause of mortality for the critically endangered Florida panther. The deaths of these four panthers, particularly the younger individuals, are a significant blow to the small and vulnerable population.
The FWC encourages the public to report any sightings of injured, sick, or dead panthers. Prompt reporting allows FWC biologists to respond quickly and collect valuable data by examining the remains, which is crucial for understanding panther health, population dynamics, and causes of mortality.
Individuals who spot a panther in distress or have been involved in a collision with a panther are urged to contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline immediately at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
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