Panthers attack record number of farm animals in Florida

4 hours ago by David Fleshler, Sun Sentinel

A record number of Florida panther attacks on farm animals and pets took place this year, in what the state wildlife commission says is a consequence of the endangered cat's increased population.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Friday confirmed 32 incidents of fatal panther attacks on animals such as goats, sheep, calves, dogs and cats, with more than 50 animals killed. This year also saw a record 20 panthers killed by vehicles.

The commission attributed the increase in killings to the success of state and federal efforts to increase the panther's population. The number of panthers today is estimated at 100 to 180, with the top figure representing a recent upward revision from 160. During the 1970s, the population may have fallen as low as 30.

Read more at:

At least 26 Florida panthers died in 2012 – 40 recorded births

Nearly 70% of Florida panthers were killed by vehicles in 2012

December 2012. This year, 15 radio collared females have given birth to 40 kittens and the uncollared population has produced many unknown litters. In fact, remote trail cameras on the 26,000-acre Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge detected two uncollared family groups on the refuge.

These images of an uncollared female panther moving her three kittens to another den may be the first time anyone has captured a photo of a panther moving her kittens between den sites. It is possible that she moved them when her original dens site got too wet due to 1.03 inches of rainfall in the 24 hours before these photos were taken.

Two months later, on November 25, 2012, the cameras captured the same female with all three kittens following her closely. (Look closely in the bushes in front of the camera for the third kitten).

"These photos were taken about one mile from where the original photos of her relocating her den site and could be the kittens first time out of the new den," said Kevin Godsea, Project Leader at Florida Panther and Thousand Island National Wildlife Refuges.

Continued:  http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/panther-florida-2012.html