Adult Florida panther. Photo by Boly38 via Wikipedia.
A car struck and killed a panther kitten in Everglades National Park Monday night (September 29). The youngster, a two- or three-month old female accompanied by its mother, was crossing a road near an entrance station when it was killed at about 10:15 p.m. The mother, who appeared to have no other kittens with it, was uninjured.
A park ranger collected the kitten’s body and turned it over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The body was to remain at the FWC’s Naples office pending a necropsy.
A preliminary report indicated that the kitten did not have a kinked tail or a cowlick. These are often cited as distinguishing characteristics of the Florida panther. Identification is a more complicated process, however, now that the genetic mix has been altered. To mitigate inbreeding problems, female cougars from a closely related population in Texas were introduced to south Florida.
The Florida panther, one of the western hemisphere’s rarest mammals, has been a federally listed endangered species since 1967. Habitat loss and fragmentation have made it very difficult for Florida panthers to maintain their numbers. Only 80 to 100 are thought to remain in south Florida, with most living in Big Cypress National Preserve and on private land in and near the Everglades.
Panthers pass through Everglades National Park, but seldom remain very long. The park is not prime habitat and normally has no resident panther population.
Vehicle collisions and fights with other panthers are the leading causes of panther deaths. At least several panthers are killed on south Florida roads each year. Habitat limitations and food scarcity cause adults to fight over territory, sometimes with lethal results.
An excellent article on the Florida panther and its habitat problems can be seen at this site.
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
