Update Aug 6,2010: Another Florida panther killled by a driver. This one north of the Everglades was also hit by a car but found alive only to die later. She was pregant with 3 cubs. All are dead, bringing the number to over 17 since one of the other panthers had been pregnant as well. Only 3 of those panthers were killed in fights with other panthers.
March 23, 2010 another of the endangered Florida panthers was killed on the road. Two days previously another panther had just been a road victim. The latest victim left behind two 6 week old panther kittens that have yet to be located but searches continue. Nine panthers have been killed this year in Florida, six by vehicles. There are over 100 Florida panthers remaining with their habitat increasingly diminished due to human development.
Florida Panther Deaths and Births
Panthers, the state animal of Florida, usually cross at dusk or early morning. They sleep during the heat of the day similar to all cats. Motorists on Florida roads are warned of speeding and hitting these endangered animals that weigh well over 100 pounds. In 2009, 14 of the tan colored panthers were killed on Florida roads. 2007 had the highest panther fatality at 15 of the exotic cats killed. 2006 saw 11 of these endangered cats killed.
Once free to roam about the southern US, these quiet cats now confine themselves to southern Florida. Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryn) are a subspecies of the Puma. They prey on hogs and deer. Males protect a 200 square mile area while the female range 80 square miles. Kittens are first fully independent by 18 months of age. They can live more than 10 years in the wild if not killed by vehicles. Ironically no human has ever been killed by a panther that seem to fear humans and hide from them.
This is “kitten season” meaning litters are typically born in the spring. Litters are typically 2 panther kittens. Parents are susceptible to being hit by vehicles. Panthers can run up to 35 mph but typically are sprinters and pouncers not long runners. They are able to make all the cat sounds including purring. Their most refined senses are sight and sound.
Tracking Florida Panthers
Radio collars are on approximately 30 of the remaining panthers. The collars allow scientists to track their wear about and aid them when needed. The 130 pound panther killed May 20 2010 was wearing a collar. The public so far has not been amenable to relocating these endangered animals to a safer ecosystem. Public education continues regarding the role of all life in maintaining ecological balance. The Florida Panther Wildlife Refuge is east of Naples where the latest panther was killed.
Florida roads are also responsible for numerous pedestrian deaths. Cycling fatalities are notoriously high in Florida.
Update May 28, 2010: The baby panther kittens were hidden away by the mother for safety and never located. They are presumed dead since cannot hunt and survive on their own.
Panthers can be seen in captivity in Jacksonville and Lowry Park Zoos, Florida.
Amy Andersen - Amy Andersen, MSN, ARNP, family & pediatrics certified, practices yoga and explores the inter-relationships of mind body fitness and ...
