What Part of Florida has the Most Panthers?

What Part of Florida has the Most Panthers?

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Over the years, I have dreamed of seeing panthers in the United States, but I have not been lucky.  Report of panther sighting is common in some part of the country, but Florida is my focus.

Panthers live in a large expanse of land and come out often. They feed on flesh and prey on other animals such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, armadillos, and rabbits.

What part of Florida has the most panthers?

Florida panthers are found in the Florida peninsula, especially on the southern side of Orlando.

Their females have been seen in the southern region of Florida only, and that is the only place their breeding was known to have taken place.

In addition, you can find them in far north Georgia.  You can find panthers in dense vegetation because they find it easier to hunt in such location.  They prefer tropical hardwood hammocks, pinelands, and mixed freshwater swamp forests.

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Of all species in the family of mountain lions within the eastern region of America, only the Florida panther is still surviving. Many years ago, many of these wild cats were killed by hunters.

Panthers were among the first species to be enlisted on the list of endangered species in America. Today, these animals have become endangered species.

Do you know that the population of these cats reduces to around 30 before the government supported their breeding?  As a result, you can see them in places like Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park.

The Threat

Florida panther has suffered from many threats, which reduced their numbers in the wild. Initially, it was the hunters that were the major threats, but when the government classified them as endangered species, other threats became noticeable.

For instance, man’s activities like construction of houses and roads have led to the dwindling of these panthers’ habitants. Although, we can find a few of these panthers often, they are still in danger to cars on major highways.

In addition, diseases and mercury pollution is affecting the breeding of these panthers.

Where can you see panthers in Florida?

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Collier-Seminole State Park, and Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park are some of the places you can see panthers in Florida.

I got lucky last year when I sighted a panther in seconds at the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. I recommend you visit this park if you want to see the Florida panthers.

Places to See Florida Panthers

Here are some of the places you can sight the Florida panthers:

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State

Do you know that the western gateway to the Everglades is the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park? I have been here and it was a memorable moment for me. Aside from the panthers, the park is rich in wildlife activities.

If you are fortunate you will see panthers’ newly made tracks or you will view the animals from afar. The swampy side of the park which has many tall royal palms is about 77,000 acres, and they are the perfect home to Florida panthers.

When you take a tram ride to Janes Scenic Drive, be on the lookout for Florida panthers.

Collier-Seminole State Park

On the southern part of Naples is where you will see the beautiful Collier-Seminole State Park. Some of the features I like about the park are its backwater river and stunning royal palms.

With such relaxed environment, you can sight panthers after sunset or during the day.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

I recommend that you explore the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Aside from seeing panthers in this park, you can find many animals that roam the park.

Tourists can see the panthers that have made their home in this park.  If you don’t want to stay for long waiting for panthers, the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park has two panthers for you.

How rare are Florida panther sightings?

Very rare.

Sighting Florida panthers is rare because they are few in number. For instance, I read that these panthers are not more than 200.  You may be opportune to find them once or up to four times in your life.

Hence, Florida panthers have become animals most people may never see in their Globally, the number is reducing because of human activities and diseases.

 

Florida panthers live and move within defined territories. Most of them don’t like crowd and move without companions.

Florida Panthers’ Characters

Panthers create their territories with pheromones and visible signs like claws or feces.

The males move within larger territories than the territories the females. For instance, the males can move away from home before they return, while the female stay close to home.

These big cats mate between November and March. During this period, the males will go out in search of females to mate with.

When the female panther gets pregnant, her gestation period lasts for about three months.

She delivers between one to three baby panthers. However, some of them will die before adulthood.

Newborn panthers are born blind and they are born with dark spots all over their body.

These dark spots serve as camouflage when they mix up with debris in the forest, and by extension save their lives from predators. These dark spots disappear as they grow and they will be taking the image of their adult parents.

After being with their mother for about a year and a half, they will move out to create their territories. An adult Florida panther has a life expectancy of about 12 years.

The present population of Florida panthers in Florida is very small. They face the threat of disease, genetic disorders, and road accidents.

My Thoughts

I have seen the black panthers in the Sunshine State, and I believe everyone should see them. However, they are fewer in number in the southwest part of the state. As a result, many of us may not have the opportunity of seeing them.

The Caloosahatchee River is where most of these cats breed, and the government is doing everything to ensure their population increases.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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ABOUT ME

I’m Jeff – I’m like a human GPS, but instead of giving you directions, I give you the inside scoop on how to have the time of your life on your next holiday.

As a born & raised Floridian, I know my home state like the back of my hand.

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