The federally endangered subspecies of mountain lion native to Florida. Population reduced to 20–30 individuals by 1995; recovered to ~200 through Texas cougar genetic rescue.

Native status: Native; endangered

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 100–125 cm (39–49 in); shoulder height 60–80 cm
WeightMales 50–75 kg (110–165 lb); females 30–60 kg
LifespanWild 8–13 years; captive 23+
OrderCarnivora
FamilyFelidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Florida panther is a North American cougar population in South Florida. It lives in pinelands, tropical hardwood hammocks and mixed freshwater swamp forests. Its range includes the Big Cypress National Preserve, Everglades National Park, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Picayune Strand State Forest, as well as rural communities in the counties of Collier, Hendry, Hardee, Desoto, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Monroe County. It is the only confirmed cougar population in the Eastern United States, and currently occupies 5% of its historic range. As of 2024, about 200 individuals are left in the wild.

Source: Wikipedia — Florida panther Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large tawny cat with very dark stripes on flanks (unique to this subspecies); kinked tail in some individuals.

Similar species. Bobcat (much smaller, spotted, short tail). Other puma subspecies (lack kinked tail).

Voice. Cannot roar; high-pitched scream during estrus. Otherwise silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Large mammals: deer (primary), wild hogs, smaller mammals.

Behavior. Solitary except mothers with kittens. Federally endangered; ~200 individuals remain. Has hybridized with Texas pumas to recover genetic diversity.

§ Range

South Florida

§ Habitat

Cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods

§ Threats

Vehicle strikes on Florida roads (#1 mortality), habitat loss, inbreeding depression.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the florida panther is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Support Florida wildlife crossings. Donate to Florida Panther Recovery. Drive slowly in panther country.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS Florida Panther Recovery
  • FWC
  • Panthera
  • IUCN Red List 2015