Related coverage: Florida panther dies in Pasco County after being struck by vehicle on I-75

NAPLES, Fla. (WFLA) — Last weekend, two endangered Florida panther kittens were discovered dead in Collier County, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The two kittens were siblings, both female, born about three and half months ago.

The FWC said the kittens were found on the side of a busy road in Collier County and they suspect they were killed after being struck by a car.

Their deaths bring the total Florida panther deaths up to 12 for this year. There were 36 documented deaths in 2024.

All but one of this year’s documented fatalities were due to vehicle accidents. In March, a young male panther was found dead, and FWC concluded that he was likely killed by another panther.

FWC stated that vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for the Florida panther. They urged residents to reduce speed and remain vigilant in panther zones, which include several counties in South Florida, such as Collier.

FWC estimates there are only around 120 to 230 adult Florida panthers left, despite the fact that they used to roam all over the South East U.S.

A senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity emphasized the crucial role of wildlife crossings in reducing fatalities in panther territories across the state.

“It breaks my heart to learn that Florida has lost two more panthers, female kittens who should’ve been allowed to survive, have kittens of their own and expand our sole, struggling population,” Jason Totoiu said. “These wildlife deaths can be reduced if state lawmakers invest in wildlife crossings that give panthers a better chance at survival. I hope the kittens’ tragic deaths are a wake-up call to finally act.”

If you see an injured or dead panther, FWC asks that you report it to their Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).