Florida Panther Hit, Killed By Vehicle In Lee County: FWC

LEE COUNTY, FL — The body of an endangered Florida panther was found in Lee County Saturday, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.

The 7-year-old female panther was struck and killed by a vehicle, the agency said.

Her remains were found along a rural road near the Wild Turkey Strand Preserve, Fox 13 reported.

This is the fourth panther that has died from a vehicle collision in 2021, according to the FWC website. The body of a three-year-old female panther was found in Lee County Jan. 2, while a 3-year-old female panther was found dead in Collier County two days later. A 2-year-old male panther was also found Jan. 21 in Lee County after being hit by a car.

The Florida panther is listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, the FWC website said. Because of this, it’s illegal to harm or harass them.

Panthers are typically found in South Florida but have been seen throughout the state and into Georgia, the FWC said. Panther sightings can be reported online here.