The return of the panther to the Florida wilderness has been a testament to the focused efforts of conservationists, increasing the chances outdoor enthusiasts will have an exciting opportunity to actually see more of the majestic feline.
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced the creation of a website where people can share the excitement of spotting a panther with the rest of the world while helping the FWC document them.
The new panther reporting site provides a way for people to upload photos and enter exact coordinates or pinpoint on a map the location where a panther was seen. Some of the photos of panthers and panther tracks already uploaded are sure to give people a thrill that Florida’s animal ambassador is thriving. People have captured numerous images with trail cameras and now they have an easier way to share them via https://Public.MyFWC.com/hsc/PantherSightings/
According to the FWC, the panther was near extinction in the 1970s, down to as few as 20 in number. Forty years later, the FWC estimates that there are anywhere between 100 to 160 adults and “sub-adults” roaming Florida. Sub-adult panthers are defined as being independent of their mother, but not yet of breeding age.
Panthers don’t typically remain in one small area; they are roamers who like sprawling out. They are no longer confined to just southern Florida, as the FWC has received reports of sightings throughout the state. As the numbers continue to increase, it can be expected that panthers will continue to be seen in areas they haven’t occupied for decades.
Numerous resources are available to learn more about the Florida panther. Start by visiting the FWC’s Florida PantherNet site where you will find information for all levels of interest as well as resources for children that include activity pages and a coloring book. More pictures can be seen at the FWC’s Flickr Panther site, including adorable photos of panther kittens and this video of a panther kitten in Naples squeaking out a few sounds.