The refuge was established in 1989, Florida Panther NWR was created specifically for the protection of the Florida panther … Florida panther kittens have blue eyes, and a spotted coat. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) must help the animals reestablish three independent breeding populations, each … The Florida panther is the only puma (also known as cougar and mountain lion) population east of the Mississippi. If they are ever going to recover, Florida panthers will need more protected habitat, and plenty of it. The state has an online form where you can submit photos and other evidence. Sighting Map 2013 | Panther sightings reported throughout … | Flickr WHERE WE ROAM | Sighting Map 2013 | Panther sightings reported throughout … | Flickr To intervene or not to intervene: an individual based approach to About the Refuge Florida Panther U.S. which helps to camouflage them better from potential predators. Seeing is believing for Florida panthers and bears You are more likely to see a panther or a black bear today in Florida than someone here 40 years ago. Florida panthers once prowled and flourished in woodlands and swamps throughout the Southeast. To get the Florida panther off the federal Endangered Species List, the state and the U.S. This NWR is located along the southwestern coast of Florida, south of the small town of Immokalee. Appearance – An adult Florida panther is unspotted and typically tan in overall coloration, but may be darker brown to rust-colored along the midline of the back. Florida has Cape Canaveral and 21 military bases that send fast-moving objects across the skies, but Floridians aren't seeing more UFO's than the rest of the country. According to a map from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, most of the confirmed panther sightings occur south of Central Florida. My wife and I were able to visit the refuge in April. Take a look at these photos to see some panthers and bears spotted recently by people who reported their sightings to us.