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NAPLES - An endangered Florida panther was found dead Tuesday in the median of Interstate 75 near mile marker 98, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The animal was male and between 3 and 5 years old, and had probably been hit by a car overnight. It was not wearing a tracking device. A wildlife officer removed it from the road.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 88 Florida panthers have been killed by cars since 1972.
I agree. And yet more and more building permits are being issued. Does anyone care about the animals and their territory? Apparently not.
Sadly, as more and more land is developed, the effect is a catch 22 on Florida residents. The pressure of the almighty dollar means substandard land is filled or zoned, leaving less and less wild habitat, while at the same time increasing the odds of storm damage on the human structures which reflect in the insane insurance prices in our state. Just because something can be done doesn’t mean it should, and we’re past the point of being able to take away from nature without nature striking back.
Ditto Sandra I wholeheartedly agree. There are so many lands being ripped away from animals that have lived here longer than any of us and we are taking their habitat away. They have no where to run but run across the road then they end up getting killed anyways.
I seen a panther on 301 south and 674 By the new wal mart two times All this new stuff going up is running them out
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Posted by Erica Lunn, Tampa on 04/04 at 01:08 PM
And people wonder why we are having more and more sightings of wild animals. Well if the cities and counties wouldnt permit so much land development, especially to put up over designed housing communities and shopping centers, these animals wouldnt be wandering into “civilization” as much. Most likely this animal was in search of food, and its food has probably been run from their habitat as well, so it had to migrate into a different area in order to eat. Animals of this nature are prone to migrating in search of food and water, and with the drought going on, I wouldnt be surprised if we see more of these type of incidents. Everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings and watch where and how they drive so that we can try to preserve as best as we can. And if you hit an animal, at least pick up the phone and call someone. Quite possibly these animals have a chance at life after accidents. Its just sad all the way around....