Statement on New Videos Showing Stumbling Florida Panthers

On Monday, Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shared several videos showing eight endangered panthers and one bobcat exhibiting difficulty walking. Government agencies and scientists are testing for diseases, rodenticides and other possible causes. 

Ben Prater, Director of Southeast Program at Defenders of Wildlife, issued the following statement: 

“These videos are particularly troubling because Florida panthers have had steady population growth in recent years, but are far from recovered. We are deeply concerned and we’re working with agency partners to understand the cause and how best to respond.”