Florida panthers spotted north of Caloosahatchee River

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Photo via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

FORT MYERS, Fla. At least two Florida panther kittens were found Monday roaming north of the Caloosahatchee River, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said.

The last known wild panther seen north of the Caloosahatchee River was in 1973.

“For many years, the Caloosahatchee River has appeared to be a major obstacle to northward movement of female panthers,” FWC panther team leader Darrell Land said. “This verification of kittens with the female demonstrates panthers can expand their breeding territory across the river naturally.”

Cameras that were used to track the progress of the female panther and her kittens appeared to show the female nursing, Land said.

For more information, visit the FWC website.

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