Recently, the number of endangered Florida panthers killed on South Florida’s roads has set a new annual record, with 20 killed so far. The most recent Florida panther killed in a hit and run accident was a 6-month-old male that didn’t have a radio tracking collar. He was found along Golden Gate Boulevard near Sixth Street Northeast.
The previously held record was 19 set in 2012, and prior to 2012, the record was 18 in 2009. Overall, the number of wild Florida panthers that have been found dead in 2014 has reached 27, with two found dead from disease, three killed in fights with other panthers, and two additional deaths from unknown causes, according the Conservation Commission.
The increase in road deaths of the Florida panther is largely due to the rebounding population numbers. The panther has been on the endangered species list since 1967. Local ranchers and hunters attribute the high death count of panthers to them running amok, and they’ve also complained of livestock depredation and reduced deer herds.
“I think it’s really an indication of a successful program,” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission commissioner Liesa Priddy said. “It’s unfortunate evidence, but I think it’s evidence of a successful program.”
The widely accepted solution to slowing down the deaths of panthers on the roads is educating drivers about the speed limits in zones where panthers are largely populated, especially at dawn and dusk when panthers are most active.
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