2 endangered Florida panther kittens found dead after suspected collision

Related coverage: Florida panther dies in Pasco County after being struck by vehicle on I-75

NAPLES, Fla. (WFLA) — Two endangered Florida panther kittens were found dead in Collier County last weekend, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.

The two kittens were siblings, both female, born about three and half months ago.

The FWC said the kittens were found on the side of a busy road in Collier County and they suspect they were killed after being struck by a car.

Their deaths bring the total Florida panther deaths up to 12 for this year. There were 36 documented deaths in 2024.

All but one of the recorded deaths for this year were caused by cars. A young male panther was found dead in March, which FWC determined was likely killed by another panther.

Vehicle collisions are the primary cause of death for the Florida panther, FWC said. They asked that residents slow down and stay alert in panther zones, which are in several South Florida counties, including Collier.

FWC estimates there are only around 120 to 230 adult Florida panthers left, despite the fact that they used to roam all over the South East U.S.

A senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity said the deaths of the two kittens highlights the importance of wildlife crossings in panther territory across the state.

“It breaks my heart to learn that Florida has lost two more panthers, female kittens who should’ve been allowed to survive, have kittens of their own and expand our sole, struggling population,” Jason Totoiu said. “These wildlife deaths can be reduced if state lawmakers invest in wildlife crossings that give panthers a better chance at survival. I hope the kittens’ tragic deaths are a wake-up call to finally act.”

If you see an injured or dead panther, FWC asks that you report it to their Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

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