Question: What Do You Do If You See A Florida Panther?

If you encounter a Florida panther:

1. Keep children within sight and close to you.
2. Give the panther space.
3. Do not run.
4. Avoid crouching or bending over.
5. Make yourself appear larger, open your jacket, raise your arms, throw stones, branches, etc.
6. If attacked, fight back with whatever is at hand (without turning your back).

Should you report a Florida panther sighting?

If you see a sick, injured or dead Florida panther, or if you experience a panther depredation, you can report online or call 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922). Cell phone users can also call #FWC, or send a text to Tip@MyFWC.com.

Do panthers in Florida attack humans?

While there has never been a reported panther attack in Florida, in western states, potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools and even their bare hands.

What if you see a panther?

Give the panther space and a way to escape. Most panthers prefer to avoid confrontation. And most importantly, if you are attacked, fight back with whatever object is at hand (including your bare hands). Try to remain standing and do not turn your back.

How common is it to see a Florida panther?

Today there are only 120 to 130 Florida panthers left in the wild. They are found in southern Florida in swamplands such as Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. The subspecies is so critically endangered that it is vulnerable to just about every major threat.

How do I report a Florida panther sighting?

Additional comments about this site can be sent to FWC at: panther.sightings@myfwc.com.

How does a Florida panther defend itself?

Panthers maintain boundaries by marking with scents. They rarely fight over territory. The Florida Panther is an umbrella species, which means they are the heart of the ecological community within their habitat. Protecting panthers in Florida indirectly conserves other threatened and endangered wildlife in the state.

How do you scare a panther away?

Living with Panthers

1. Keep children within sight and close to you.
2. Give the panther space.
3. Do not run.
4. Avoid crouching or bending over.
5. Make yourself appear larger, open your jacket, raise your arms, throw stones, branches, etc.
6. If attacked, fight back with whatever is at hand (without turning your back).

Has a panther ever killed a human?

“Florida Wildlife Commission has always said there’s no documented case of panther attacks on humans,” he tells the Pulp.

Will a Florida panther attack a dog?

“I am concerned about the dogs because they’re little bitty things. The panther’s going to eat them for lunch.” Florida Wildlife Federation told us these attacks are rare, but say to take precautions if you live in panther habitat.

Are panthers afraid of humans?

Normally panthers — the official state animal — avoid humans, a habit they developed back when Florida’s settlers would shoot them on sight. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website says, “No panther has ever even attacked a person.”

Can you have a panther as a pet?

State Laws for Keeping Exotic Cats as Pets. 4 states have no laws on keeping dangerous wild animals as pets: Alabama, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. 6 states do not ban or regulate keeping big cats as pets: Alabama, Nevada, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Delaware, and Oklahoma.

Are Florida Panthers aggressive?

Though the Florida panther is fiercely territorial, not a single attack on a human has been reported in the state’s history.

Do panthers still live in Florida?

Florida panthers occur in the peninsula of Florida, primarily south of Orlando. Female panthers have been documented only in South Florida, which is where all known breeding occurs. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has documented males as far north as Georgia.

Can Florida Panthers be black?

Florida Panthers (Puma concolor coryi) are ALL tawny or light brown in color with creamy white undersides. To date, there has never been a black or melanistic phase of panther, mountain lion or cougar in the wild or captivity. There are simply no “black panthers.”

What do Florida panther eat?

Diet – Florida panthers are carnivores, which means they only eat meat. They primarily eat white-tailed deer and wild hogs, but smaller mammals such as raccoons, armadillos, and rabbits are also an important part of their diet.