2-Year-Old Florida Panther Struck, Killed By Vehicle

FLORIDA — An endangered panther died after it was fatally struck by a vehicle Sunday near Lakeland in Polk County. The large, male cat was 2.5 years old.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, this is the 11th panther to be fatally struck by a vehicle in the state this year.

Wildlife experts say Florida panthers are the larger of the state's two native cat species.

Panthers are listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act and it is illegal to harm or harass them in any way. There are approximately 120-230 adult panthers in the state, FWC officials said.

Although most panthers are found south of Lake Okeechobee, they have been documented throughout the peninsula and even into Georgia, wildlife experts say.

Biologists said they gain valuable information by examining panther remains. Report injured or dead panthers to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).