by A. Pesarosa

Created on: March 19, 2009   Last Updated: December 14, 2010

The Florida panther, (Puma concolor coryi), has been the official state animal since chosen by the state's schoolchildren in 1982. Florida's governor Charlie Crist has officially proclaimed the third Saturday of March (03.21.09) to be known as Save the Panther Day.

In the proclamation, Crist touched on the plight of the state-named panther, calling the cougar sub-species, "a symbol of the natural character of Florida," and addressing the need for Floridians to "treasure their wildlife and take pleasure in the natural heritage handed down to them by generations past."

The panthers, now remaining mostly around the cypress swamps of south Florida, used to roam freely across the southeastern United States. Now, they are more likely to be heard than seen. Known to be skilled hunters, panthers may eat only once a week.

Deer and wild hog are their preferred prey, but when these are not available due to both loss of habitat and environmental contamination, they make do on raccoons and armadillos; even the opportunistic feeding alligators will occasionally fall prey to a hungry panther.

Tawny, with lighter shades on their belly and chest, the adult male panthers weigh up to and around 150 pounds. From tip to tail they have measured as long as 7 feet. The adult females, being of the same coloring, typically weigh in smaller, not more than 100 pounds, and measure around 6 feet. Although fast sprinters, they do not usually chase prey for long distances.

Female panthers are ready to breed at about two-and-a half year's old. The males take a little longer, maturing around the age of three. The panther is conscientious; she does not usually breed in the wild until she has established a territory range to live, hunt, and raise her kittens.

Panthers really prefer dry upland forests to Florida's protected wetland areas; panthers found in these areas are generally healthier. The male's home range averages 200 square miles and will sometimes overlap with the females smaller range (70-80 square miles), but, as they are solitary animals, he does not help raise the young.

Usually, a twelve week pregnancy will produce a litter of up to three kittens. Preferably in dense vegetation, the female creates a simple and cozy secluded den to keep them safe from the elements. They're born light brown with dark spots to help camouflage them, and the offspring wean around two months of age. They stay with mom for two or so years while they learn to hunt and survive. Eventually, they move on to restart

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