Florida panther struck by vehicle in Collier County; 27th death in 2024

Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:
panther
Florida panther. Credit: WINK News

A 2-year-old female panther was killed by a vehicle in Collier County, increasing the death total of the endangered species to 27 for 2024.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Panther Pulse, a vehicle hit and killed the female cat on Friday.

The panther, identified as UCFP470, was struck by the vehicle on Corkscrew Road, one mile south of State Road 82.

This marks the third time the endangered species has been killed on Corkscrew Road in 2024.

Per Panther Pulse, the two other reported deaths on Corkscrew Road were on Oct. 2 and Aug. 24, both in Lee County.

FWC reports vehicle strikes are the most common cause of death for Florida panthers.

In August, a litter of kittens, one male and two females, was born at the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest.

Unfortunately, the male and one female kitten were predated in Hendry County in early September, both at the Okaloacoochee Slough WMA.

Twenty of the 27 panthers found dead in 2024 were due to vehicles; one was struck by a train, and four died from unknown causes.

In 2017, the FWC estimated the population size to be between 120 and 230; however, accurately determining the population is impossible because of constant births and deaths and the limitations of survey methods.

Driving the posted speed limits, especially in Panther Crossing zones, can help keep Florida’s state animals safe.

Click here to learn more about Panther Crossing zones. 

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