Florida panther
The Florida panther is a population of cougar found in southern Florida and one of the most endangered mammals in North America.
The Florida panther is a population of cougar found in southern Florida and one of the most endangered mammals in North America. It is the only confirmed cougar population in the eastern United States.
What it is
The Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) is a tan, long-tailed cat roughly 6 to 7.2 feet from nose to tail tip. Males weigh 100–160 pounds, females 70–100 pounds. It is federally listed as endangered and lives mainly in pinelands, hardwood hammocks, and swamp forests south of Lake Okeechobee.
Why it matters
This panther is the only confirmed cougar population in the eastern U.S., occupying less than 5% of its historic range. Conservation efforts have helped it recover from very low numbers, but the wild population remains small—about 120–230 adults and subadults. It is a key species for North American wildlife recovery discussions.
Key details
Florida panthers are carnivores that primarily eat white-tailed deer, also taking feral hogs and smaller animals. They are concentrated in southwest Florida, with breeding mainly in the southern part of the state. No confirmed human attacks have been recorded in Florida, but they are large predators and should not be approached.
In short
- Florida panther is a cougar population in South Florida, the only one in the eastern U.S.
- Federally endangered, with about 120–230 adults and subadults in the wild.
- Habitat: pinelands, hardwood hammocks, and swamp forests south of Lake Okeechobee.
- Diet: mainly white-tailed deer, plus feral hogs and smaller animals.
The Florida panther is of interest to Canadian readers mainly as a North American wildlife and conservation species, especially in discussions of cougar biology, endangered species recovery, and cross-border conservation comparisons.
Quick questions
How many Florida panthers are left?
Where do Florida panthers live?
Are Florida panthers dangerous?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_pantherSupports: General species identification, range, and rough population estimate.
- Florida Wildlife Federation — https://floridawildlifefederation.org/florida-panther/Supports: Habitat, endangered status, and population estimate.
- National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/floridapanther.htmSupports: Historic and current range; population estimate.
- Defenders of Wildlife — https://defenders.org/wildlife/florida-pantherSupports: Size, diet, and population estimate.
- Florida Panther Research Center — https://www.floridapanther.org/panther-factsSupports: Population estimate, size, and note about no confirmed attacks.
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/panther/Supports: Population estimate, range, endangered status, and general species information.
- National Wildlife Federation — https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Florida-PantherSupports: Range, current population context, and general species description.
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/panther/description/Supports: Measurements, weight, and physical description.