FWC rescues orphaned panther kitten

Photo courtesy: FWC

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rescued a 4-month-old panther kitten in Collier County.

IMAGES: Rescued panther kitten

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The kitten was likely orphaned when her mother was struck and killed by a vehicle on U.S. 41 near Collier-Seminole State Park.

When they responded to the scene, FWC staff did not see any kittens in the area. However, in early October, park staff had photographed a female panther with three kittens.

A construction worker saw and photographed an emaciated panther kitten in the Collier-Seminole State Park campground, which is about a half-mile from where the female was killed.

The FWC responded to the location and set up traps to try to capture the animal.

The next day, park staff discovered the remains of an approximately 4-month-old male kitten.

FWC staff continued trapping efforts and late in the evening on November 2, successfully captured a 4-month-old female panther kitten and transported her to the Naples Zoo.

Two days later, the FWC responded to a third sighting of a panther kitten in the area and observed an underweight kitten retreating into the woods.

Staff once again set traps to try rescuing the last kitten. Unfortunately, after over a week, there was no additional sign of the panther kitten and rescue efforts were suspended.

"We are grateful to everyone who provided us with the information that led to the successful capture of this kitten," said FWC panther biologist Dr. Dave Onorato.

Because the panther was orphaned at such a young age, it will not be possible to return her to the wild. While she is acclimating to her new surroundings, the kitten will not be on display to the public.

She is likely to stay behind the scenes at Naples Zoo at least several weeks while a determination is made regarding a permanent home.