Save the Florida Panther Day: March 16, 2024
Photo by Adam Bass, Vice President of Conservation
A Call for Conservation
Today, Save the Florida Panther Day, is a day — recognized by Florida law — to show some love for our state's iconic big cat. Because Florida isn’t just our home — it’s theirs, too!
Florida panthers once sprawled all across the Sunshine State — even roaming as far west as Arkansas and as far north as South Carolina.
Today only about 120-230 adult panthers exist, and they’re primarily spotted only in southwest Florida.
At Conservation Florida, we're committed to safeguarding the Florida panther's habitat. Last year, we preserved more than 10,000 acres within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, ensuring safe spaces for these majestic cats to roam and thrive.
A male Florida panther’s territory can span 200 to 250 square miles in size. With roughly 1,000 people moving to the state each day (that’s a city the size of Orlando every year), their home is at risk.
The Florida panther was added to the endangered species list in 1967.
Male panthers typically weigh between 100 and 160 pounds, while females weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.
In the Seminole language, the panther is known as coo-wah-chobee, which means "big cat."
Florida panthers often have a distinctive right-angle kink at the end of their tails.
Panthers in the wild can live for 20 years or more.
Florida panthers are an umbrella species, which means when we protect panthers, we protect other threatened and endangered wildlife.
One of the greatest challenges facing the Florida panther is mortality due to collisions with vehicles. As development continues to encroach on panther habitat, the number of roadkills remains a significant concern.
In 2023 alone, there were 13 documented panther deaths, and all of them were attributed to vehicle collisions. These losses highlight the urgent need for measures to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and protect panther habitats.
You may have seen wild news stories of Florida panther sightings while on an evening neighborhood stroll — or even in your own backyard. It may seem exciting — the elusive Florida panther! But these big cats are simply on the hunt for territory to call home.
At Conservation Florida, we work tirelessly to ensure the Florida panther has room to roam — a home.
Our land protection projects have directly impacted the conservation of the Florida panther, ensuring populations continue to grow and thrive.
When you support Conservation Florida, you’re protecting the Florida panther, ensuring the survival of this iconic, endangered species.