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Florida Panther

The Florida panther is a relative of the cougar and as its name would indicate, it is found quite often in Florida. Though the species used to be available in larger numbers, the Florida panther is now critically endangered, with its numbers decreasing at an alarming rate. It’s thought that there are just 80 to 100 of the Florida panthers left. The species continues to be one of the most carefully protected feline populations in the world. The Florida panther has been the subject of a lot of controversy due to its close relation to many other subspecies of the cougar, its protection, its natural habitat, and more.

The Florida Panther

Florida panthers are about ten times bigger than your average house cat. This particular species is quite big with the males being larger than the females. Males usually weigh in around 40 to 70 kilograms while the females weigh in at 30 to 45 kilograms and they usually measure about 1.8 to 2.2 meters from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tails. The species, like all species of panthers, have very long claws and sharp teeth. Their claws usually measure about five inches long, and they use these claws not only to climb trees but also to hold onto their prey and tear meat to make eating easier. While the claws are quite long, they are retractable, which allows the animals to walk quietly when stalking their prey.

Habitat

The Florida Panther can be found in the low pinelands, palm forest, and swamps of Southern Florida. While the species was originally found mostly in Florida, it is also found throughout the United States, though the numbers are limited. The species seems to prefer the warmer,...

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