60 Seconds
for a life
Show You Care
and Get your Panther
Crossing Sticker!
and Get your Panther
Crossing Sticker!
Roads and Florida PanthersThe 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. In 2022, 25 of the known panther deaths were attributed to vehicle strikes. Entire litters have been known to die in vehicle collisions.
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Nighttime is Panther TimePanther activity is greatest between dusk and dawn when visibility is lowest. Reduced nighttime speed zones exist where panthers are known to frequently cross roads.
60 Seconds for Panthers At the posted 45 mph speed limit, driving through a three-mile-long panther zone would only take an extra minute compared to traveling at 60 m.p.h. Driving like this gives you more time to react. |
The average cost of a speeding ticket issued in a nighttime panther crossing is over $200. |
Good For Panthers - And YouBeyond costly fines, excessive speeds require a mandatory court appearance and time off work. By driving posted speeds you can avoid the disruption to your personal life as well as avoid personal injury to you and your family along with vehicle damage. Plus you'll also be helping ensure the survival of Florida's panthers.
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Voucher to Print and Redeem at Naples Zoo Ticket Box
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Or Use this Printable Form
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Driving Safety Tips
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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. |
PantherCrossing.org is a collaborative effort to reduce Florida panther mortalities on roads and is coordinated and funded by Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens as part of their conservation programs.
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QUESTIONS?
Contact Tim L. Tetzlaff, Naples Zoo's Director of Conservation © COPYRIGHT 2019. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. |