Florida set a new record for the number of panthers killed on roads after a 1-year-old female panther was hit by a car on Tuesday.
Wildlife officials say 26 big cats have been killed on the state’s roads this year.
The state surpassed a record number of overall panther deaths when the count reached 36 in November. Tuesday’s death brings the total to 37.
The Florida panther is one of the most endangered species on the planet, with FWC biologists estimating there are 100 to 180 in the wild.
There are certainly more cats in Florida now than there have been in decades, and biologists say the higher number of overall deaths and road kills is partially due to the growing population.
The panther’s remains were found Tuesday in Hendry County.
