Endangered female panther K408 found dead in Collier County, adding to mounting road mortality statistics.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reported Friday that the remains of an 11-year-old female Florida panther, identified as K408, were collected on August 29. The suspected cause of death was a vehicle collision, a persistent and deadly threat to the state’s endangered panther population.

The panther was found next to Jane’s Scenic Memorial Drive in Copeland, Collier County. K408 was initially marked with a PIT tag as a kitten on March 13, 2014, by National Park Service staff in the Turner River Unit of Big Cypress National Preserve.

Vehicle collisions remain the leading cause of death for Florida panthers. The FWC encourages drivers to be cautious, especia

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