Florida

Panther Killed in Southwest Florida

Officials say a Florida panther was found dead in southwest Florida.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that the 3-year-old female was found dead Monday in Big Cypress National Preserve.

The Naples Daily News reports that it appeared the panther had been killed in a fight with another panther. The remains will be taken to a Gainesville facility for a necropsy.

This is the 26th Florida panther killed this year. Officials say 17 have been killed by vehicles.

Florida set a record last year with 25 road kills and 33 overall deaths.

Florida panthers once roamed the entire southeastern U.S., but only around 180 remain in the wild.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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