As 2024 draws to a close, panther conservationists are grappling with a devastating reality: Southwest Florida has experienced the highest number of Florida panther deaths since 2016, according to FWC .
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported the death of a 9-year-old male panther on November 29, 2024, on I-75 in Collier County.
The suspected cause of death was a vehicle collision, marking the 31st panther death across the state. This was the 30th fatality reported in Southwest Florida alone.
Just days earlier, a 3.5-year-old male panther was killed in a vehicle collision off State Road 29 in Hendry County.
According to FWC, vehicle collisions are responsible for 75% of panther deaths in Southwest Florida.
The rise in fatalities is primarily attributed to overdevelopment, which is increasingly encroaching on the panther's natural habitat.
Here’s a look at panther deaths by year:
- 2015: 42
- 2016: 42
- 2017: 30
- 2018: 30
- 2019: 27
- 2020: 22
- 2021: 27
- 2022: 27
- 2023: 13
- 2024: 31
24 of the 31 panther deaths in 2024 were due to cars, one was struck by a train, two from predation and four from unknown causes.
The FWC encourages motorists to slow down and observe all posted speed limits, especially in panther zones, which are in several counties across South Florida.
Panther speed zones help ensure the survival of the endangered Florida panther and protect motorists from personal injury.
Florida residents can support panther conservation efforts by purchasing a "Protect the Panther" license plates . Fees from license plates sales are the primary funding source for the FWC's research and management of Florida panthers.
Biologists gain valuable information by examining panther remains. You can report injured or dead panthers to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FECC (3922).
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