The Florida panther is the only puma (also known as cougar and mountain lion) population east of the Mississippi.

Florida panthers once prowled and flourished in woodlands and swamps throughout the Southeast. When European settlers arrived in the 1600s, the clear-cutting, building and other human activities that destroy, degrade and fragment habitat began, and the fear and misconceptions that led to panther persecution took root. Today, the panther is recognized as Florida’s official state animal, but it is also one of the most endangered mammals in the country.

Panthers are an umbrella species: protecting them and the vast, unspoiled, wild territory each one needs to survive - an average of 200 square miles for a single male - protects many other plants and animals that live there. At the top of the food chain, these cats help keep feral hog numbers in check and deer, raccoon and other prey populations balanced and healthy.