11-08-2025
3-month-old endangered Florida predators — likely littermates — are found killed
Two rare Florida panther kittens that appear to be siblings were killed together by vehicle strikes outside a Naples subdivision.
The pair of panthers, both 3.5-month-old females, were found dead on Davis Road the morning of Sunday, Aug. 10, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
FWC biologists said the two were killed at approximately the same time.
'Given that fact, and that they are estimated to be the same age, it makes sense that they are likely from the same litter,' lead panther biologist Dave Onorato told McClatchy News.
One was found dead in the eastbound lanes of the six-lane road, and the other was found dead in the westbound lanes. They were killed just south of the Naples Heritage Golf & Country Club and another residential community on Madison Park Boulevard.
Vehicle strikes are the leading cause of death of the endangered Florida panther, accounting for nearly 60% of fatalities, according to the FWC.
Of the 12 panther deaths that have been documented this year, 11 have been from vehicle collisions, records show.
'As the state grows, suitable habitat for panthers and other wildlife shrinks,' biologists said. 'Florida panthers normally live in remote, undeveloped areas. But as both the number of panthers and the number of people living and recreating in Florida grows, so does the chance of an encounter with a panther.'
Panthers roam across large territories that are increasingly crisscrossed by roads, with males typically having a home range of about 160 to 200 miles, while females' territory is 60 to 75 miles, experts say.
Young panthers in particular are vulnerable to vehicle strikes, data panther kittens that died would likely have still been dependent on their mother for food.
'When they are about 2 months old, kittens begin to accompany their mother on hunting forays,' according to FWC biologists. 'At first she hides them nearby while she hunts. After a kill, she leads them to the site where they all feed.'
While panthers may prefer remote wilderness, the location of these deaths shows the animals live near urban areas as well. The FWC recommends if you see a panther, give them space, face the animal, try to appear larger and don't run.
To report an injured or dead panther, call the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
