Florida Panther
Puma concolor coryi
Endangered
The only wild puma population east of the Mississippi. Fewer than 200 remain, primarily in the Big Cypress Swamp and Everglades region. Solitary, elusive, and rarely seen despite extensive camera-trap monitoring.
Size large
Habitat wetland, upland
Diet White-tailed deer, wild hogs, raccoons, armadillos
Colors tan, brown
Behavior
Crepuscular and nocturnal. Males maintain territories of 200+ square miles. Females stay closer to denning sites. Road mortality is the leading cause of death.
⚠️ Safety
Extremely unlikely to encounter. If seen, do not approach or run. Make yourself large and back away slowly. Report sightings to FWC.
Fun Facts
- Once down to fewer than 30 individuals in the 1990s
- Can leap 15 feet vertically and 45 feet horizontally
- Florida's official state animal
- Distinguished from western cougars by a kinked tail and cowlick on the back
Identify This Species
Use our Species Identifier to learn how to distinguish the Florida Panther from similar species.
