Community News · Collier County
4 Florida Panthers Killed by Cars Since Sept. 20 in Southwest Florida
Four endangered Florida panthers have been killed by car strikes since Sept. 20, bringing the 2026 total to 15 recorded deaths, all likely caused by vehicle collisions, according to state data. Most incidents occurred in rapidly growing Collier County, with one death on a county road in Hendry County involving panther UCFP511. State biologists and Conservation Florida president Traci Deen advocate conserving habitat and building wildlife crossings, noting fewer than 230 adult panthers remain in the wild. Residents who spot an injured, sick or dead panther can report it to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.