News Release

Panther spotted in Golden Gate Estates neighborhood

October 30, 2007
Contact: Dani Moschella, 561-625-5132 or 772-215-9459 (cell)

• Photos

• Panther safety tips

A young, male Florida panther wound up in a tree Tuesday morning in a residential area in Naples and was likely chased there by neighborhood dogs, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Shortly after 8:30 a.m., FWC panther biologists and officers responded to 140 27th St. S.W. and confirmed the animal was a Florida panther, an endangered species rarely seen in populated areas. The cat jumped from the pine tree at 11:15 a.m. and ran east, then jumped a fence to the north and headed to a wooded area nearby.  

?Sometimes wild animals wander into human territory. Usually, they figure out pretty quickly they aren?t where they are supposed to be and return on their own to more appropriate habitat,? said Darrell Land, FWC panther biologist. ?This panther never posed a threat to people and was not acting aggressively. It acted like a scared animal that was out of its element.?

While it is unlikely the panther is still in the neighborhood, FWC officials are asking residents to drive carefully and obey the speed limit, keep pets, livestock and any other potential panther attractants secured and report any sightings to FWC?s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC.

For more information on the Florida panther, visit the Wildlife & Habitats section of MyFWC.com.

Panther Safety Tips

Be Alert from Dusk 'til Dawn
When it comes to personal safety, always be aware of your surroundings. Florida panthers are most active at night. Exercise more caution at dawn, dusk and during the night.

Landscape for Safety
Remove vegetation that provides cover for panthers. Remove plants that attract wildlife (especially deer). By attracting them, you naturally attract their predator ? the panther.

Keep Panther Prey Away
Deer, raccoons and wild hogs are prey for the Florida panther. By feeding deer or other wildlife, you may inadvertently attract panthers. Wildlife food such as unsecured garbage, pet foods and vegetable gardens also may attract prey.

Keep Pets Safe and Secure
Roaming pets are easy prey for predators, including panthers. Supervise pets and then bring them inside or keep them in a comfortable, secure and covered kennel. Feeding pets outside also may attract raccoons and other panther prey.

Keep Livestock Secure
Where practical, keep chickens, goats, hogs or other livestock in enclosed sheds or barns at night.

Supervise Children
Keep children close to you, especially outdoors between dusk and dawn. Educate them about panthers and other wildlife they might encounter.

Never Approach a Panther
Most panthers want to avoid humans. Give a panther the time and space to steer clear of you.

Hike with a Friend
When in wild areas, always hike, backpack and camp with a companion.