Just a Minute . . .

That's all it takes to help save a life and a dangerous collision or swerving off the road. Best of all, driving at the posted 45 mph nighttime speed through a three-mile-long panther crossing zone only adds 60 seconds to your drive compared to traveling at 60 m.p.h. It also gives you more time to react and could save you a $200+ fine.​

Good For You and Wildlife

Beyond costly fines, excessive speeds require a mandatory court appearance and time off work. ​By driving posted speeds you can help avoid the disruption to your personal life as well as reduce the threat of personal injury to you and your family along with vehicle damage. Plus you'll also be helping ensure the survival of Florida's panthers.​

Roads and Florida Panthers

The Florida panther is an endangered population of America's large cat also known as pumas, mountain lions, or cougars. As the panther population increased from a few dozen in the 1980s to over 200 adult cats today, collisions with vehicles have increased and are one of the leading causes of panther deaths. Entire litters have been known to die in vehicle collisions. In 2022, 25 of the known panther deaths were attributed to vehicle strikes. 

Watch the award-winning 8-minute video about the new era of panthers and people.
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Photo: Peter Matthews/Big Cypress National Preserve

Over 240 panthers were killed on Florida roads
in the last ten years. 

Nighttime is Panther Time

Panther activity is greatest between dusk and dawn when visibility is lowest. 45 mph nighttime speed zones exist where panthers are known to frequently cross roads. 

Avoiding Accidents

Having a greater than 50% chance of avoiding an animal as large as a moose at night requires driving 40 mph – hence the wisdom of the 45-mph nighttime speed in panther crossing zones.

The average cost of a speeding ticket issued in a nighttime panther crossing is over $200. 

Experience Doesn't Count Here

While newer drivers have more overall crashes, drivers of all types have similar rates of wildlife collisions. So don't be fooled. Driving experience simply can't make up for vehicle speed when an animal jumps out in front of you.

You Need a Lot of Road

Perception of how fast we can stop in regular driving can be deceptive compared to wildlife interactions. The reality is that braking distance increases exponentially with speed and reaction time to the presence of an animal isn’t immediate. At 50 mph, you need half a football field to stop. But at 70 mph, you'd be all the way into the far end zone. Wet pavement? You're somewhere in the team's locker room. 

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If getting to Naples Zoo is inconvenient for you, download this form and mail it with a self-addressed stamped envelope your quarter to offset decal costs.

Thank you for making a better Florida
​for people and wildlife!

Driving Safety Tips

  • Watch for an animal’s eyeshine at night.

  • Use caution if road reflectors “disappear” as this means an animal is in front of them. Scan the road and shoulder ahead.
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  • If you see a panther cross the road ahead of you, slow down, there could be others. 

What should I do if I hit a panther?

If you hit a panther or if you see an injured or a road-killed panther, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission immediately at 1-888-404-3922. If you cannot remain at the site, give detailed location instructions. TIP: Program that number in your phone now under a name you'll recognize like "Florida Panther Collision."

Your information could help biologists rescue the animal. Do not approach if the panther is injured, for your safety as well as the animal’s. Watch the animal from a safe distance, preferably from inside your vehicle, until help arrives. 

Over 240 Panthers Lost to Vehicular Collisions in the Last Ten Years

In 2013, 15 panthers were killed this way. In 2014, 24 panthers were lost in vehicle strikes. In 2015, it rose to 30 Florida panthers. In 2016, a new record was set when at least 34 panthers lost their lives in these deadly collisions. In 2017, 24 panthers lost their lives on the roads. In 2018, 26 panthers died on roads. In 2019, it was 23. In 2020, 19 panthers. In 2021, 21 panthers. And in 2022, 25 panthers. And these are only the ones we know of. Your help is critical in protecting Florida panthers in 2023.
Aspects of promoting this campaign are made possible through the Naples Zoo and Big Cypress National Preserve’s Zoo-Park Partnership for America’s Keystone Wildlife™.