30 Florida Panthers Killed by Vehicles in 2024

In 2024, 30 Florida panthers have died, marking the highest death toll for the endangered species since 2018, primarily due to vehicle collisions. This represents more than double the number of deaths from 2023, with most incidents occurring in Collier County, a region heavily affected by human development. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that vehicle strikes are the leading cause of death for these panthers, with at least 239 fatalities over the past decade. The surviving population is estimated to be between 120 and 230 adults, underscoring the species' critical endangerment. Conservationists attribute the rise in deaths to habitat loss and increased road traffic, calling for measures such as wildlife crossings to mitigate further losses. Despite past recovery efforts, including the introduction of pumas from Texas, the Florida panther remains vulnerable due to low genetic diversity and ongoing environmental threats.