Baby Florida Panther killed by vehicle strike in Collier County

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — For the sixth time this year, a critically endangered baby Florida panther was killed by a vehicle strike, this time in Collier County.

On Tuesday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Panther Pulse website updated its death counter, displaying that uncollared Florida panther 502, a 2-to-3-month-old male, was killed by a vehicle on Everglades Blvd S, 120 yds south of 26th Ave SE.

This Monday report marks the fourth time a panther has died in Collier County, making it the deadliest area for the endangered species in 2026 so far. 

The other two deaths occurred on January 28 in Polk County and March 25 in Glades County, both from vehicle impacts.

According to Panther Pulse’s 2025 records, Collier County was the deadliest area for the endangered species, accounting for seven of the 18 reported deaths that year.

Conversations have centered on the dwindling habitat for panthers. In late January, WINK News covered an environmental conservancy group, “The South Florida Wildlands Association,” and their intentions to sue the FWC over a development project near Ave Maria in Collier County.

Reporter Maddie Herron spoke with Matthew Schwartz, the association's executive director, who said, "The idea that this is not going to have a significant, significant impact on the Panther is ludicrous."

SFWA is one of the environmental groups that issued a 60-day notice of intent to sue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Collier Enterprises, alleging violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) related to the project 'Rural Lands West,' and the potential it could cause to irreparably harm the critically endangered Florida panther and its habitat. 

READ MORE: Eastern Collier development sparks lawsuit over panther habitat risk

In early February, Panther Pulse reported the birth of a female kitten, designated as K528 at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.

Historically, Florida panthers typically give birth to between one and two kittens, with a gestation period of approximately three months

This grim milestone further emphasizes the need for conservation, for which several methods are available for those interested in supporting preservation efforts. 

According to the FWC, the guiding conservation goal for the Florida panther is to manage this significant wildlife resource for its long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

There are two ways to purchase a panther plate.

You can become a first-time panther tag owner or replace your current plate with a new one by visiting your local Tax Collector's office to purchase or renew it in person. 

Renew your existing “Protect the Panther” registration online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. 

Conservation Florida, a leading land conservation nonprofit in Florida, acquired 60.27 acres of land for the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park in March 2025.

This expansion helped panthers thrive in their environment without interacting with people. According to Conservation Florida, male panthers need at least 200 square miles of habitat to survive, which led to the meticulous decision to purchase the land.

The nonprofit is located at 137 Coastline Drive in Copeland, an unincorporated community in eastern Collier County.