The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has confirmed two cases of neurological damage in a panther and bobcat in this month.
The beloved Florida panther and bobcat are the only two wild cat species found in the state. The disorder is impacting the animals’ ability to walk. The agency is not sure of the cause but is conducting an investigation. Trail camera footage shows the animals stumbling and falling down, almost unable to use their back legs.
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To date, the FWC has seen eight panthers (mostly kittens) and one bobcat in varying degrees of this condition. Gil McRae, director of the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute said in a statement:
“While the number of animals exhibiting these symptoms is relatively few, we are increasing monitoring efforts to determine the full scope of the issue.”1
Florida Panthers are listed on the Endangered Species Act, with only 120 to 230 adult panthers in the state. Discovering the cause of the disorder can help officials lessen the impact it could have on the panther community.
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According to the FWC, the sad situation seems to be located in three general areas – Collier, Lee and Sarasota counties. One panther was photographed that may be affected in Charlotte County.
The FWC is not sure what is causing the disorder. They are actively testing for numerous potential toxins such as rat poison (which has been found in 85 percent of tested mountain lions and bobcats in California) and pesticides. They are also considering nutritional deficiencies and infectious diseases. McRae said:
“Numerous diseases and possible causes have been ruled out; a definitive cause has not yet been determined. We’re working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and a wide array of experts from around the world to determine what is causing this condition.”1
What an incredibly sad situation. The FWC is asking for the public’s help. Please submit ANY trail camera footage or other videos that might have captured these sick animals by going online to MyFWC.com/PantherSightings.
