Soon after biologists radio-collared a female Florida panther during the 2026 capture season, GPS data started pointing to classic denning behavior. Denning behavior is an innate instinct in animals, such as wolves, coyotes, dogs, and bears, to seek or construct small, enclosed, and secure spaces. It serves as a refuge from predators and harsh weather.
Teams from the FWC and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found her den and confirmed she’d given birth to a single kitten. As weeks passed, they watched the mother come back and care for her kitten, just as she should.
But things changed. Biologists noticed she stopped returning to the den. Two weeks went by with no sign of her. When the team checked, the kitten was in bad shape, underweight (less than 3 pounds) and carrying a heavy parasite load. The staff didn’t wait any longer. The only chance for this kitten’s survival was intervention.
In March 2026, they carefully removed the 2-month-old female, now called K528, and brought her to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. There, she could get the medical care and support she needed.
Tracking collared panthers gives biologists a window into their world. They learn about births, survival, and the health of the population. Sometimes, this information is crucial, like when it shows a kitten won’t make it without help.
If you want to support these efforts, rescues, releases, research, consider buying a Protect the Panther specialty license plate by clicking here.
Spotted an injured, sick, or dead panther? Call the FWC’s 24-hour Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922). Panther biologists depend on your eyes and quick action.
