The ninth Florida panther death this year and the fifth female of the species was reported in Collier County in the past week.
The remains of the big cat, a 3-year-old female, were collected June 19, on County Road 846 in Collier County, east of Immokalee. The suspected cause of death was vehicle collision.
The death was also the fifth panther this year reported killed on Collier County roads.
Panther deaths in previous years
If you have spotted an injured, sick or dead panther, please report it as soon as possible to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). Prompt reporting of injured or sick panthers and/or vehicle collisions with panthers will allow panther biologists to respond in a timely manner. Biologists also gain valuable information by examining panther remains.
Florida residents can support panther conservation efforts by purchasing a "Protect the Panther" license plate. Fees from license plate sales are the primary funding source for the FWC’s research and management of Florida panthers.
More panther news
- Another Florida panther killed in South Florida; reported at Glades County site
- Sixth Florida panther death by vehicle reported in 2026, fourth in Collier County
- Two juvenile Florida panthers hit, killed in separate vehicle incidents in Hendry County
- Photographer snaps shot of endangered Florida panther inside front entrance to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
- Lawsuit seeks to protect endangered Florida panthers from large Collier County development
- Third Florida panther death reported in 2026; suspected vehicle strike in Polk County
- FWC reports second 2026 panther death by vehicle in Collier County
- First Florida panther death of 2026 reported; killed off I-75 in Collier
Vehicle collisions are the primary cause of death for Florida panthers. The FWC encourages motorists to slow down and observe all posted speed limits, especially in panther zones, which are in place in several counties across South Florida and coincide with areas where panthers are known to cross. These panther speed zones help ensure the survival of the endangered Florida panther and protect motorists from personal injury.
WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.
