Florida State Animal
|
 |
Florida Panther Facts
- Scientific Name: Puma concolor coryi
- Found mainly on the southwestern tip of Florida
- Feed on deer and wild hogs
- Tan in color; sometimes darker along the center of their back with a white belly and black on the back of their ears, muzzle and tip of the tail
- Males weigh around 130 pounds
- Females weigh around 80 pounds
- Typical litter is 2 kittens
- About one third wear a radio collar for tracking
Hardwood hammocks and slash pines with their palmetto understory provide the perfect Florida panther habitat. They are able to use the thick palmetto thickets as cover when stalking their prey and for hiding their dens.
Even though the majority of our Florida State animal reside in southwest Florida, a few years ago one was killed on I95 between St. Augustine and Palm Coast. It is unusual to find one this far north, however, young males are forced to find their own territory as they mature. Development in our state has made it challenging to find good Florida panther habitat.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge in 1989. It encompases 26,000 acres in Collier County, south of Naples. At the refuge they provide optimum habit for the panthers, restore the fauna and flora as well as implement environmental education for the public. At this time the refuge is closed to the public so the panthers won't be disturbed. Hopefully, these measures will assure the long range restoration of the endangered Florida panther.
If you would like to help our endangered Florida panther consider becoming a Friend of the Florida Panther Refuge. It is a very worthwhile cause.
Return to St-Augustine-Travel-Guide.com home page.
St. Augustine, Florida
Top of page
