LABELLE, Fla. (WFLA) — The full loss of life tally for Florida panthers this yr grew to 32 after a younger male was reportedly hit by a automobile in Glades County.
The panther, believed to be round 7 to eight months previous, was discovered useless on Wednesday, Dec. 4 on Loblolly Bay Highway, 0.3 miles west of Fernwood Lane in Glades County, in line with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Fee (FWC).
Officers stated the suspected reason behind loss of life was a automobile collision — one thing that has change into a typical prevalence within the state. Based on the FWC, automotive crashes are the “main reason behind loss of life for Florida panthers.”
In an e mail, Jason Totoiu, a senior lawyer on the Middle for Organic Variety, stated the overall variety of panthers killed this yr is a report excessive since 2016. Practically 80% of all panthers discovered useless have perished after being struck by a automobile.
“This little panther’s tragic loss of life illustrates the dire want for wildlife officers and state lawmakers to avoid wasting this species earlier than it’s too late,” Totoiu stated. “Improvement retains consuming away on the little little bit of habitat left in southwest Florida, and it’s outstanding this panther made it this far north. It seems this animal tried onerous to search out secure passage by means of a slim strand of habitat solely to be hit by a automotive.”
Totoiu referred to as on state lawmakers to ascertain devoted funding for wildlife crossings which are strategically positioned, stating that “many states have performed this already, and Florida must observe swimsuit.”
Within the meantime, the FWC encourages drivers to decelerate and observe all posted pace limits, particularly in panther zones, that are in place in a number of counties throughout South Florida and coincide with locations panthers are recognized to cross.
Florida panthers have been documented as far north because the Florida-Georgia state line however are principally discovered south of Lake Okeechobee, in line with the FWC. The species is presently listed as endangered underneath the Endangered Species Act and it’s unlawful to hurt or harass them.
Anybody who spots an injured, sick or useless panther is requested to report it to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
