Endangered creature hit and killed by vehicle in Florida -- the 27th death this year

Natalie Demaree, The Charlotte Observer on Nov 11, 2024

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A 2-year-old panther — listed as an endangered species — was found dead on a road in Florida, marking the 27th panther death in the state this year, records show.

The female panther was hit by a vehicle on Corkscrew Road in Collier County and discovered Nov. 8, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Panther Pulse database shows.

The Florida panther is one of two native cat species in the state, but they are at risk of extinction, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Experts estimate that there are anywhere between 120 and 230 adult panthers in existence, with most located in southwest Florida.

This year’s panther death total as of Nov. 11 is already more than double the previous year, and it represents approximately 12% of the population, according to records.

This year, 21 out of 27 deaths were caused by vehicles, including one train, the database shows. Nearly half of the vehicle fatalities happened in Collier County, with the latest occurring just 12 days prior, McClatchy News reported in October.

The FWC said several of the state’s roads cut through the panthers’ habitat in south and central Florida.

“Vehicle strikes are the leading cause of death for Florida’s panther population,” the commission said in a January 2023 Facebook post. “Please go slow in areas where there are wildlife crossings and keep an eye out for panthers and other wildlife.”

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