Struggling to Survive: endangered Florida Panthers Experience Deadliest Year Since 2016, over 30 lost
Rare footage of a male Florida panther recorded caterwauling/calling for a mate. Captured by Sean Mchugh.
All Florida panther footage by Sean McHugh
As their homes vanish, our state animal continues to suffer, with more than 30 Florida panthers lost this year alone. Among the latest deaths is a 7-8 month-old cub in Glades County, tragically struck by a vehicle, followed closely by the death of another male panther in a neighboring county. With vehicle strikes being the deadliest threat to these animals, safeguarding their land is no longer just a priority — it’s a necessity.
The Florida panther is one of the most iconic and endangered creatures in the United States, with only 120 to 230 individuals left in the wild. Every death represents a significant loss to the panther population and further threatens the delicate balance of Florida’s ecosystems.
The Critical Need for Habitat Protection
As development encroaches on their natural habitats, Florida panthers are increasingly at risk. Habitat fragmentation creates a perfect storm of dangers, particularly when roads slice through essential green spaces, leaving panthers to navigate perilous traffic in search of food, mates, and territory.
But there is hope — land conservation and connecting the Florida Wildlife Corridor is crucial to ensuring panthers have a future in Florida. By protecting land and connecting critical habitats, we can reduce the threat of vehicle collisions and provide safe, connected spaces where panthers have room to roam.
As an accredited land trust, Conservation Florida is dedicated to protecting the lands that Florida panthers rely on. Our efforts focus on preserving and expanding these critical habitats by connecting a fully functioning Florida Wildlife Corridor, helping panthers, black bears, and other wildlife thrive for generations to come.
How You Can Help
The survival of the Florida panther depends on actions taken today. You can support land conservation efforts by:
Give a Gift to Protect Their Homes: Safeguard the areas where these incredible animals live, hunt, and raise their young.
Adopt an Acre: Help fund land protection projects to keep wildlife away from roads and ensure their safe passage.
Spread the word: Use your voice to help preserve Florida’s natural beauty and wildlife. Share our mission with your friends, family, and loved ones. No act is too small.
Recent Coverage: Florida Panthers battle habitat fragmentation
Read
Sun Sentinel: Yet another dead Florida panther — this one, crucially, was expanding its range north
WUSF: Florida panthers are dying at a near-record rate this year
Watch the full coverage here.
Act Now to help give panthers a safe passage
We can’t afford to wait — this species depends on the steps we take today. Your support directly impacts the future of the Florida panther, helping us to create and protect the habitat these animals need to survive. Together, we can give these iconic animals a chance to thrive in the wild once again - thrive in their home.
Visit conservationfla.org today to learn more about how you can make a lasting impact on wildlife in Florida.
Help us write the next chapter Florida’s wildlife.
It’s Up to All of Us
Protecting the Florida panther is not just the responsibility of conservationists — it’s something that requires the collective effort of all Floridians. The future of these animals depends on our commitment to preserving the wild spaces they need to survive. From raising awareness to supporting conservation initiatives, every action counts.
Thank you to all the dedicated conservationists, wildlife advocates, and Floridians who are already working to protect the Florida panther and the places they call home. Because it’s their home, too.
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 35,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
Questions?
Contact Sarah Shepard, Communications Director
sarah@conservationfla.org