The Future of Florida Panthers Depends on Conservation
Florida panther captured on trail camera footage by Sean McHugh.
“That was the best day of my life,” said volunteer photographer Brandon A. Güell, recalling an unforgettable morning deep in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.
It was a cold, crisp morning as the group rode down old, narrow logging roads, touring the newly-added acres to largest state park in Florida -- land permanently protected by Conservation Florida. Surrounded by wetlands, they waded through waist-deep water, spotting snake sheds, ghost orchids, and even Florida minks.
What happened next felt like something out of a Floridian dream.
Just as Conservation Florida’s James said, “We’re right across from one of our parcels,” a feline figure stepped onto the trail ahead — approximately 100 yards away from their side-by-side vehicle.
Scrambling, the group grabbed their cameras and binoculars, barely believing what they saw.
Like most do, they first questioned, “Is that a bobcat?” But as the big cat turned slightly, it became clear. That was no bobcat.
It was an endangered Florida panther. Its distinct tail stretched long behind him — an unmistakable marker of a Florida panther. The beautiful cat turned straight toward them, locking eyes. Its broad head and muscular frame further confirming its identity. Then, as calmly as it had appeared, it walked into the woods, leaving the group stunned.
Florida panther, Puma concolor coryi, photographed by Brandon A. Güell
This extraordinary moment proves that land conservation is working — our rare, native species find refuge in these protected habitats.
A Florida panther spotted near newly protected lands in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.
Footage by Brandon A. Güell
Strategic Land Conservation is THE Path Forward
Florida panthers are wide-ranging animals that require large, connected tracts of land to hunt, find mates, and raise their young. As overdevelopment continues to fragment their habitat, more panthers are left to search for food and new territory elsewhere – battling busy highways and subdivisions.
The iconic species made headlines last year as they experienced their deadliest year since 2016, with over 30 cats lost. Scientists estimate there are between 120 – 130 left in the wild.
What’s the most effective solution? Land conservation.
Conservation Florida and its many partners are working to connect and protect the Florida WIldlife Corridor, an 18-million-acre network of green spaces spanning the state. The Florida panther's home. For people, a corridor is like a hallway connecting rooms in a house — or, a highway. The Florida Wildlife Corridor functions as a green highway for wildlife. It is an 18-million-acre network of lands spanning the state, but not all these lands are conserved yet. Conservation Florida, along with many other land trusts and conservationists work to permanently connect and protect lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor – just like the additions to Fakathatchee Strand Preserve State Park.
Map of Conservation Florida’s land conservation projects and the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Save The Florida Panther Day
The only way Florida panthers will survive in the wild is by protecting the landscapes they need to thrive, their home. Today, on Save the Florida Panther Day, we invite you to be a part of the solution. Support land conservation. Advocate for these iconic cats. Help us keep Florida wild — for the panthers, and for all who call this state home.
Be a guardian of Florida panthers! Donate today, Save the Florida Panther Day, to protect their home!
Share this blog, spread the word, and let your state leaders know conserving the home of the Florida panther is important to you. No act is too small to help protect their home.
About Conservation Florida:
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places, and connecting a functional Florida Wildlife Corridor. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved more than 40,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
Follow us on social media @conservationflorida.
