Wildlife officials are mourning a double blow to the state’s endangered panther population after two young panthers were found dead along Hendry County roadways on the same day.
According to an update posted to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Panther Pulse web page, the remains of both animals were collected on Saturday, May 16, 2026. In both cases, biologists suspect the cause of death to be vehicle collisions.
The first recovery occurred on State Road 80, roughly 146 yards west of the Townsend Canal Bridge. FWC officials identified the panther as UCFP503, a 1.75-year-old male.
READ: Deadly Impact: Young Florida Panther Struck And Killed In Highway Crash
Later that same day, the remains of a second panther—identified as UCFP504, a 2.5-year-old female—were located on Fort Denaud Road, about 360 yards west of the intersection with Huggetts Road.
The consecutive deaths highlight the ongoing dangers Florida panthers face from vehicular traffic as urban sprawl intersects with wildlife corridors. FWC emphasizes that rapid public reporting is critical to their conservation and research efforts.
“If you have spotted an injured, sick or dead panther, please report it as soon as possible to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922),” the agency stated in its release. “Prompt reporting of injured or sick panthers and/or vehicle collisions with panthers will allow panther biologists to respond in a timely manner. Biologists also gain valuable information by examining panther remains.”
The FWC’s panther research and management programs rely heavily on public contributions. Florida residents looking to support these conservation efforts can do so by purchasing a “Protect the Panther” specialty license plate, as the fees from these sales serve as the primary funding source for the agency’s panther programs.
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