Another Florida panther has died on Collier Boulevard, just north of the Naples Heritage Golf & Country Club. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) found the remains of an eight-month-old female panther there on Saturday. It’s the second panther killed by a vehicle in Collier County this year. Earlier, on January 9, a vehicle also struck and killed a 1.5 to 2-year-old female.
Vehicle collisions remain the primary threat to Florida panthers. Drivers, especially in South Florida, need to slow down and pay attention to the posted speed limits, especially in the marked panther zone spots where these endangered cats often try to cross. These zones help protect both panthers and people.
If you see an injured, sick, or dead panther, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). Quick reporting gives biologists a chance to help the animal or collect important information from remains.
Supporting these wild cats goes beyond staying alert behind the wheel. You can also support panther conservation by picking up a “Protect the Panther” license plate. Those plates aren’t just for show; the fees directly fund FWC’s research and management programs for Florida panthers. Every bit of support matters.
