Glades Storage - FL Panthers??

[spearfish3]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I can tell you there are Fl Panthers in South Ga.
I have seen one as a kid, and seen deer carcasses in trees, and I do not think deer climb trees.

It is funny you say that because FWC would call you a liar. My dad saw a panther with cubs in central FL and FWC rejected the sighting. They said they aren't that far north and he must have mistaken bobcats as panthers. He knew what he saw and said it was probably one of the best things he had ever seen in the woods. He grew up hunting in Florida and was no novice in the woods. I have no doubt they are in South GA. They are an amazing animal and very elusive.

[DeepFrz]

I would say though, judging from personal experience, that they are probably in other areas but are mostly undetected. I have heard a wildlife officer say that if you have done much hiking in the wild you have probably been within striking distance of a cougar.

[S/V_Surya]

I recently left Glades boat storage after one year work and Storage. Never heard saw or talked about seeing any Panthers
There are many domesticated animals running free cats dogs Etc we should be a nice little meal for anything running about. There is also a large herd of cattle that occupy the area.

[tripkirk]

I used to camp on Lake Okeechobee several years ago. One time there was a panther stuck under the dock and had to be helped out by a rescue team. So they definitely do exist in that area. The funny thing about Panthers are that the same species lives in Colorado as well, but they are called Mountain Lions here. They also go by Puma and Cougar. All of which are the same animal.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by tripkirk

I used to camp on Lake Okeechobee several years ago. One time there was a panther stuck under the dock and had to be helped out by a rescue team. So they definitely do exist in that area. The funny thing about Panthers are that the same species lives in Colorado as well, but they are called Mountain Lions here. They also go by Puma and Cougar. All of which are the same animal.

They are nearly identical, but different.
The only visible difference that I am aware of is the color or the hair on the belly. I believe they are a subspecies

[buzzstar]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I have never understood the having to get a house cat out of a tree.
Why?
They must be capable of getting themselves out as I have never see a cat skeleton in a tree, have you?

I've made the same reference in the past, but also have been shut down with the retort, "No, but that is because they fall and die while trying to get down."

[MidwestRefugee]

For decades the Missouri Dept. of conservation denied the existence of mountain lions in the state despite numerous sightings. Eventually they gave in and admitted we had some.
I would not put it past any conservation office to do the same. The more endangered critters there are the more work they have to do and it ain't always a good idea to tip off the locals you have some scary cats in the neighborhood.

[HopCar]

This is a related story published in the Miami Herald about a year ago.
It seems that female Florida Panthers don't normally go north of the Calohatchee river.
The fact that one was sighted north of the river was taken as a sign their range is expanding.
Female Florida panther's crossing Caloosahatchee River raises hope for population | Miami Herald

[HopCar]

I've lived in Florida all my life and have only seen one Panther. I was still in high school when it happened. My friend Darrell and I were heading out for a day of diving off Elliot Key. We were pulling a boat down a road through farm fields headed to Homestead Bayfront Park to launch the boat. The sun wasn't quite up yet. As we approached a stop sign, a panther strolled across the road in front of us.

That's a sight I'll never forget.

[SecondBase]

Thank you all for the feedback. We
We're initially in complete disbelief. With the feedback I guess we won't send the crew member who reported this for a psyche eval.

It sounds like this well within the realm of possibility that a panther was spotted at night just a couple evenings prior to Irma. This was the south side of the river.

[FSMike]

About 15 years ago I saw one some miles east of Gainesville (Fl. not Ga.).
I didn't bother to tell anybody official because I figured they wouldn't believe me.