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Third Florida Panther Death in 3 Days
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5/26/2010
Authorities say a Florida panther cub is dead after apparently being hit by a car over the weekend along U.S. 41 in Collier County.
NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — Authorities say a Florida panther cub is dead after apparently being hit by a car over the weekend along U.S. 41 in Collier County.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says it is the third panther to die in the area since Friday. The other two also were apparently struck by vehicles.
Despite the spate of recent deaths, FWC says the panther population in South Florida remains viable with five times as many in the wild now than just 20 years ago. They estimate there are roughly 100 remaining in the wild.
Officials say the increasing number of panther road kills mirrors the increase in panther numbers, and authorities continue to work on plans to make it safer for the big cats near roadways.
