The Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) is a subspecies of the North American cougar (P. c. couguar). It is the only puma population east of the Mississippi and is one of two native cat species in Florida, the other being the bobcat (Lynx rufus).
Physical Traits
Adult panthers are brown, about 6-7 feet long from head to tail, and weigh between 80-140 pounds. They have a long tail that is almost as long as their body and short black-tipped ears. Their bodies are mainly covered in tawny-beige fur, except for the white fur on their chest and muzzle.
Life Span
The average life span of a wild Florida panther is 8-10 years but can reach up to 15 years in captivity.
Habitat
Florida panthers live in pinelands, tropical hardwood hammocks, cypress swamps, prairies and marshes throughout South Florida. They require large areas of habitat with plenty of cover for denning sites and hunting grounds.
Diet
Florida panthers primarily feed on deer but also eat raccoons, armadillos, rabbits, birds and small mammals. They hunt mostly at night when they use their keen sense of smell to locate prey.
Reproduction
Mating season for Florida panthers typically begins in late winter or early spring with females giving birth to litters of 1-4 kittens after a gestation period of 90-96 days. Kittens stay with their mother until they are around 18 months old before dispersing into new territories.
Conservation Status
The Florida panther is listed as an Endangered Species under the Endangered Species Act and it is illegal to harm or harass them in any way. There are approximately 120-230 adult individuals remaining in the wild today due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by human development activities such as agriculture and urbanization. The U.S Fish & Wildlife Service has implemented several conservation efforts including captive breeding programs, land acquisition projects and public awareness campaigns to help protect this species from extinction.
Interesting Facts
- The scientific name Puma concolor coryi means “cat of one color” because all members of this species share similar coloring regardless of geographic location or subspecies type.
- Panthers can jump up to 20 feet high into trees when hunting or escaping predators like bears or alligators!
- Panthers are solitary animals that mark their territory with urine scent posts or scratch marks on trees which helps them avoid conflicts with other cats while searching for food or mates during mating season!
