Florida Panther
(Felis concolor coryii)
Factoid:
The Florida panther is a highly endangered subspecies of mountain lion.
Status:
Endangered.
Population:
Only 30 to 50 individuals survive today.
Threats:
Increasing human development and population growth in Florida has led to habitat loss and collisions with vehicles.
Survival:
The Florida panther has an average life span of 12 years in the wild.
The Florida panther was once common in western Texas and throughout the southeastern states, but is now found only in Florida. Their habitat includes cypress swamps, pine, and hardwood hammock forests. An adult male panther can weigh up to 130 pounds, while females typically weigh about 70 pounds. The Florida panther is a solitary animal, and very territorial. Males establish a home range of up to 400 square miles and females about 50 to 100 square miles. While white-tailed deer are the most common prey of Florida panthers, they also hunt wild hogs, rabbits, raccoons, armadillos, and birds.
National Parks:
Florida panthers are found in Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park, FL.
