Florida Panther Defenders of Wildlife

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The Florida panther is the only puma (also known as cougar and mountain lion) population east of the Mississippi. Florida panthers once prowled and flourished in woodlands and swamps throughout the Southeast. When European settlers arrived in the 1600s, the clear-cutting, building and other human activities that destroy, degrade and fragment habitat began, and the fear and misconceptions that led to panther persecution took root. Today, the panther is recognized as Florida’s official state animal, but it is also one of the most endangered mammals in the country. Panthers are an umbrella species: protecting them and the vast, unspoiled, wild territory each one needs to survive - an average of 200 square miles for a single male - protects many other plants and animals that live there. At the top of the food chain, these cats help keep feral hog numbers in check and deer, raccoon and other prey populations balanced and healthy.

Once rare, Florida panthers are rebounding

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Protecting the Florida Panther Festival Aims to Raise Awareness / Public News Service

Florida Panther Defenders of Wildlife

Planned roads could imperil Florida's panthers—and last remaining wilderness

Defenders of Wildlife on X: Florida wildlife officials have reported the first endangered Florida panther death of 2024 – a 1-year-old male was found dead from an apparent vehicle strike. A total of 13 Florida panthers were reported killed in 2023, all of them