The Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed was delighted to witness a female panther with two kittens on property.
According to CREW, the female panther, identified as FP266, was initially captured and collared by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission scientists on Jan. 31, 2024, south of the CREW office.
While tracking the panther, scientists found she had lived evasively on the west side of Corkscrew Marsh since her capture.
In late June 2025, CREW cameras found FP266 with a kitten on the Marsh Trails/Gate 3. Communicating back with FWC scientists, they found that the panther is the mother of two kittens, and the family was caught on camera elsewhere on the CREW Marsh Trails.
Credit: CREW
On Sunday, CREW found FP266 with her two kittens appearing at the cross-over between Cypress Dome and Caracara.
Florida panthers are critically endangered, with their population numbers continuing to dwindle due to several factors. According to Florida Wildlife Viewing, breeding occurs at any time of year but is most common between November and March. The male leaves the area once the female is no longer in heat (estrous lasts from eight to 11 days). Gestation lasts about three months; the typical litter numbers one or two kittens. A newborn weighs only about a pound. Its eyes do not open for one or two weeks. Teeth begin appearing at about two weeks.
Credit: CREW
The FWC records Florida panther deaths through its Panther Pulse website. In 2025, ten deaths have already been reported, the latest being a vehicle death in Pasco County in early July.
To help conserve the species, the FWC prints “Protect the Panther” license plates, where fees accrued from sales provide the primary funding source for the research and management of Florida panthers.
According to the FWC, the guiding conservation goal for the Florida panther is to manage this significant wildlife resource for its long-term wellbeing and the benefit of people.
There are two ways to purchase a panther plate.
You can become a first-time panther tag owner or replace your current plate with a new one by visiting your local Tax Collector office to purchase or renew it in person.
Renew your existing “Protect the Panther” registration online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Nicholas Karsen is a Digital Specialist and has been with WINK News since May 2023.