Rare image of Florida panther caught on Manatee County trail camera
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) —A trail camera positioned at Duette Preserve in Manatee County has captured a rare image of a Florida panther.
Park Ranger Jerry Miller said the image proves the panther is healthy and doing well.
“Having this on the trail cam kind of gives us a glimpse into these panthers that are pretty elusive. Panther sightings in Florida are extremely rare. I think their populations are only 200 for the entire state,” said Miller.
TIMELINE: More cold air to arrive in Tampa this week
The Florida panther population had fallen dramatically, but Miller said the video shows they are starting to make a comeback.
“Historically, the Florida panther roamed the whole southeast United States, and so in the 70s and 80s, their population was maybe 10, specifically in the Everglades, and since then, with conservation efforts, their populations have spread north a little bit,” said Miller.
Miller said having a panther around Duette Preserve is nothing for people to fear.
“They’re certainly not something to be fearful of. They definitely deserve your respect. You should never approach a Florida panther, they’re a wild animal, but the Florida panther just wants to exist and hunt and move silently through the woods,” said Miller.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
