Are there Panthers in Naples FL?

Are there Panthers in Naples FL?

A Community Service deputy with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office had a rare encounter with a Florida panther at Crew Bird Rookery Swap in Naples. NAPLES, Fla. There are only 120 to 130 Florida panthers left in the wild, according to the National Wildlife Federation. …

Should you report Florida panther sightings?

Counting panthers is difficult because they are solitary, elusive and wide-ranging animals rarely observed in the wild. Reporting your observations can help FWC biologists address panther conservation needs by identifying the areas used by these large cats.

Where are the Florida panthers located in Florida?

Florida, United States
Miami Metropolitan Area, Florida, United States
Florida Panthers/Locations

Are there black panthers in Southwest Florida?

Where is their Habitat & Range? The Florida panther is mostly confined to Southwest Florida, usually in pinelands, hardwood hammocks, and mixed swamp forests.

What is the difference between a Florida panther and a cougar?

Florida panthers are average-sized for the species, being smaller than cougars from colder climates, but larger than cougars from the neotropics. Adult female Florida panthers weigh 29–45.5 kg (64–100 lb), whereas the larger males weigh 45.5–72 kg (100–159 lb).

Can you shoot a Florida panther?

Shooting or otherwise harming a panther is a violation of the Endangered Species Act. Florida considers it a third-degree felony with a maximum of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The federal punishment is a maximum one year in jail with a $100,000 fine.

Are Florida black bears aggressive?

Bear Encounters Although Florida black bears aren’t typically aggressive, they’re large (they’re Florida’s largest land mammal), strong, and can react when provoked. Bears should be given their space.

Who was the deputy that saw the Florida panther?

The Collier County Sheriff’s Department posted a video to its official Twitter account of one of its personnel, community service deputy Brandi Ahrens, recording a very close sighting of a Florida panther.

Is it possible to see a panther in Florida?

Chances of seeing a panther are slim, but to stay safe if you ever encounter the wild animal, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says don’t run, give them plenty of space, and making big gestures or noises will likely scare the panther off. Experts say about 130 Florida panthers are left in Florida.

How to report an injured Panther in Florida?

Report sightings of injured or dead panthers by calling the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or #FWC or *FWC on a cell phone. Another option is texting [email protected] Florida residents can support panther conservation efforts by purchasing a Protect the Panther license plate.

Can a panther be identified by a photo?

Note: This map only shows panther sightings that are identified by FWC as a panther or its tracks. This map does not include submissions without photos or where photos were not identified as a panther.