Wildlife Officials Find Heaviest Florida Panther On Record
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Wildlife biologists have discovered the heaviest Florida panther ever recorded. The adult male weighs an impressive 166 pounds (75 kg). This surpasses the typical range of 102 to 154 pounds (46 to 69 kg) for males. Female panthers, which are much smaller, generally weigh between 50 and 108 pounds (22 and 49 kg).
The massive panther was found at Babcock Ranch Preserve. The 68,000-acre protected area is co-managed by the state and private conservation groups. Wildlife officials had seen the cat on trail cameras for years but had been unable to capture it. Using specially trained dogs, they finally managed to trap the animal on January 29, 2025.
After the panther was safely sedated, biologists performed a thorough health check, including blood tests and genetic sampling. They also fitted the panther with a GPS collar to monitor its movements and well-being. The officials then administered a reversal agent to wake it. Within minutes, the animal was alert and back in its natural environment. The entire process took about an hour.
The scientists attribute the panther's large size to the abundance of feral hogs in its habitat. These invasive animals were introduced to Florida by Spanish settlers in the 1500s. The aggressive creatures destroy native vegetation and also compete with other wildlife for food. As a result, officials appreciate predators that help keep their population in check.
Florida panthers are a subspecies of the mountain lion. These large cats were once found throughout Florida and even into Georgia. However, their population declined rapidly due to loss of habitat and hunting. By the 1970s, only about 30 Florida panthers remained in the wild.
They were among the first species protected under the Endangered Species Act, signed into law in December 1973. Since then, their numbers have slowly rebounded. Scientists estimate there are currently between 120 to 230 adult Florida panthers in the wild.
Resources: nwf.org, smithsonianmag.com, FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
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27 Comments
regsaroni1234about 3 hoursSOOO Cute
sophiakrissy64 daysthis is kind of like black panther!- 81245543664 daysthat was great that is long to for a panther
- tgobeli4 dayspoor kitty
cecilia06024 daysSoo cute!
jupiter_stormy5 daysWow! that is a big panther! good that he's keeping the boar population in check though
godsfollower5 dayswe need to protect the animals that are endangered also great article :)
beachgurly20125 dayswow that is one bigboi
dvsis235 daysThat thing is huge!
kathryn2335 daysbuitful cats
