By Daily News staff

Phil Hendra and his family were visiting his father's house in east Fort Myers March 18 when his son, Phillip Jr., pointed out a "funny dog" outside. The dog turned out to a Florida panther, resting on the porch.

"We were shocked because it didn't run away when it looked at us. We were able to watch it from inside and take photos," Hendra said via email.

"We were shocked and amazed that an experience like this had happened to us and will always remember the beauty of such strong rare animal."

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission posted Hendra's photo on its Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Facebook page. It has since been shared more than 9,000 times.