A critically endangered Florida Panther has been killed by a vehicle in Pasco County, marking the first death recorded in that county.<\/p>\n
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission\u2018s Panther Pulse website, the 2-to-3-year-old male panther identified as UCFP488 was discovered on July 1.<\/p>\n
UCFP488 was found on Interstate 75, more than half a mile south of State Road 56.<\/p>\n
In 2025, 10 panther deaths have been reported in the state, nine of which were killed by vehicles.<\/p>\n
One death has been attributed to “intraspecific aggression,” which, according to the Center for Academic Research & Training in Anthropogeny occurs when animals attack members of their species. Typically, this is done as an act of dominance or when resources are scarce, forcing a struggle to improve survival chances.<\/p>\n
Currently, Collier and Hendry counties remain the deadliest regarding panther deaths in 2025, with four reported fatalities by vehicles in each county.<\/p>\n
In 2024, 36 panthers were found dead, 29 due to vehicles; one was struck by a train, two were killed by predation, and four died from unknown causes, marking the second-highest yearly death total recorded by the FWC since 2014.<\/p>\n
The highest reported number of panther deaths happened in both 2015 and 2016, which are tied at 42 reported panther deaths.<\/p>\n
Since the FWC began recording panther fatalities in 2014, Pasco County had remained the only area without a death reported.<\/p>\n
To help conserve the species, the FWC prints \u201cProtect the Panther\u201d license plates, where fees accrued from sales provide the primary funding source for the research and management of Florida panthers.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
There are two ways to purchase a panther plate.<\/p>\n
Become a first-time panther tag owner or replace your current plate with the new plate by visiting your local Tax Collector office to purchase or renew in person.<\/p>\n