The remains of a 4-5-year-old male Florida panther were recovered on State Road 29 in Collier County on March 10, 2025, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported. The suspected cause of death was a vehicle collision.
The panther, designated UCFP482, was found 1.6 miles north of the intersection of SR29 and SR82.
Vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for the endangered Florida panther, highlighting the ongoing challenges in protecting this iconic species.
READ: Another Florida Panther Killed In Vehicle Collision
The FWC urges the public to report any sightings of injured, sick, or deceased panthers to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). Timely reporting allows biologists to respond quickly and gather valuable information from examining panther remains.
Florida residents can contribute to panther conservation efforts by purchasing a “Protect the Panther” license plate. Fees from these license plate sales are the primary funding source for the FWC’s research and management of Florida panthers.
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To help prevent future vehicle collisions, the FWC reminds motorists to slow down and observe all posted speed limits, particularly in designated “panther zones” located in several South Florida counties. These zones coincide with known panther crossing areas.
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