FWC confirms second panther death of 2026

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has confirmed that a panther was killed after being hit by a car in Collier County.

This is the second panther to be killed in 2026, according to the FWC's Panther Pulse website.

The panther was 8 months old and was found dead Sunday on County Road 951 in Collier County, just 250 yards north of the entrance to Naples Heritage.

"If you have spotted an injured, sick or dead panther, please report it to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922)," the FWC said. "Prompt reporting of injured or sick panthers and/or vehicle collisions with panthers will allow panther biologists to respond in a timely manner. Biologists also gain valuable information by examining panther remains."

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