A dozen cubs were born recently in 4 panther dens found in palmetto thickets in Picayune Strand State Forest, Florida wildlife officials report. The births are significant because they offset some of the panther deaths on highways, and offer hope that the population will continue to grow.
The panthers’ numbers declined to approximately 30 cats by the early 1980s, but research and monitoring by FWC biologists have helped in restoring the genetic health and vigor of the panther population.
(READ more about panthers in Florida from Foster Folly News)