1st reported Florida Panther death of 2025, killed by vehicle in Collier

Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:
Florida panthers
(FILE PHOTO) Florida panther

A vehicle in Collier County claimed the life of a Florida Panther, marking the first death of the critically endangered Florida predator recorded in 2025.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission‘s Panther Pulse website, the 1-and-three-quarter-year-old male panther identified at UCFP479 was slain on Friday.

The corpse of the big cat was found at Immokalee Road, 2 miles east of Oil Well Grade Road.

In 2024, 36 panthers were found dead, 29 due to vehicles; one was struck by a train, two were killed from predation and four died from unknown causes, marking the second-highest yearly death total recorded by the FWC since 2015.

Florida panthers
CREDIT: CBS News

The highest reported number of panther deaths happened in both 2015 and 2016, which are tied at 42 panther deaths.



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.

According to FWC, vehicle collisions are the Florida Panthers’ primary cause of death.

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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