In a distressing turn of events, two endangered Florida panther kittens have been killed by a predator, leaving only one of the trio to survive. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has reported that the kittens, estimated to be around 4.5 weeks old, were found dead near their natal den in the Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area, located approximately 120 miles northwest of Miami.
According to Dave Onorato, a research scientist with the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the kittens were likely killed by a bear or possibly another panther while their mother was away hunting. The incident, discovered on September 3, involved the brutal predation of two of the three kittens. The evidence, including crushed bones, points to a predatory attack rather than human interference.
“This tragic event underscores the perilous lives of Florida panther kittens,” Onorato explained. “Infanticide is a known behavior in many puma populations, including Florida panthers. The theory suggests that by killing the young, a male panther can induce the female to go into estrous sooner, thus enabling him to sire offspring that are genetically related to him.”
The two deceased kittens, one male and one female, had been examined by state biologists in August, who conducted biopsies and implanted microchips. The surviving kitten, a female, remains in the wild but faces a challenging future. The mortality rate for Florida panther kittens is notably high, with only 32% surviving their first year. Predation is a common cause of death for these young animals, although vehicle collisions are the primary threat to adult panthers.
Onorato noted that the den’s design, which included multiple chambers, might have provided some protection, but the use of scent by predators often compromises the effectiveness of such hiding places. “Kittens at this age are vulnerable and lack the ability to climb to safety,” Onorato added. “While many dens offer some protection, they are not foolproof against determined predators.”
State researchers have monitored 524 panther kittens over the past 32 years, observing that the young typically begin accompanying their mother on her excursions from the den at around eight weeks of age.
Related Topics
