The Florida Panther, an endangered animal -- Postcard

The Florida Panther is a subspecies of a larger Panther / Mountain Lion / Puma genus. The genus is not endangered, but this Florida subspecies is. Most panthers are found south of Lake Okeechobee, they have been documented throughout the peninsula and even into Georgia. Female panthers have only been documented in south Florida so that is where all known breeding occurs. Panthers are listed as an Endangered Species under the Endangered Species Act. Florida panthers are reclusive and rarely seen by people. They normally live in remote, undeveloped areas, however, as the number of people in southern Florida grows, there is an increased chance of an encounter with a Florida panther. The Florida panther moves primarily at night. The chances of seeing a panther are slim. And there is no record of a Florida Panther ever attacking anyone. But if you live in panther country, you need to know what to do if you see one: Give them space. Florida panthers typically will avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape. Do not run. Stand tall and try to appear larger. Fight back if attacked.