FWC: No recent verified panther sightings on island
Reporting them assists research
While some are reporting to have spotted a possible Florida panther on Captiva in recent weeks, state wildlife officials reported that they have not received any recent verified sightings for the island.
On July 27, Jonathan Jett-Parmer reached out to the Reporter-Islander and explained that he and his spouse believed they observed one of the big cats at about 4:15 p.m. as it crossed the roadway from the bayside to behind the Royal Shell building. He estimated its length between 4-6 feet, from tip to tail.
“Most assuredly not a domestic cat or bobcat,” Jett-Parmer said.
They tried to snap a photo of what they believe was a juvenile panther, but it moved too quickly.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission conducts research on the Florida panther, and the public can assist by reporting sightings at MyFWC.com/Panther. Reporting the observations can help FWC biologists address panther conservation needs by identifying the areas used by the large cats.
As of Aug. 19, the FWC had no confirmed reports for the island.
“There have been no verified panther sightings on Sanibel or Captiva to date,” Senior Officer Adam Brown said. “We are not aware of any recent unverified claims of panther sightings either.”
Over the years, bobcats and domestic house cats have been mistaken for panthers.
“Bobcats are common there and are frequently sighted and are often confused or misidentified as panthers,” he said.
On Aug. 14, Gerry and Wendy Oginski reached out to the Reporter-Islander and reported spotting a bobcat in the morning on Sanibel-Captiva Road, between Bowman’s Beach and the Blind Pass Bridge.
“The Florida panther moves primarily at night. The chances of seeing a panther are slim,” Brown said. “But if you live in Florida panther country, you need to know what to do if you see one.”
He offered the following tips:
– Keep children within sight and close to you. Pick up any small children so they don’t panic and run. Try to do this without bending over or turning away from the Florida panther.
– Give them space. Florida panthers typically will avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape.
– Do not run. Running may stimulate a panther’s instinct to chase. Stand and face the animal. Make eye contact to let the panther know you are aware of its presence.
– Avoid crouching or bending over. Squatting or bending makes you look smaller, resembling a prey-sized animal.
– Appear larger. Make gestures that indicate you are not prey and that you may be a danger to the panther. Raise your arms. Open your jacket. Throw stones, branches or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice.
– Fight back if attacked. There has never been a reported panther attack in Florida. In western states, where attacks by cougars have occurred very rarely, potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools and their bare hands. Since large cats usually try to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the animal.
In addition, people can do the following to help Florida panthers:
– Slow down when you are driving along rural highways, especially where panther crossings are identified. It is especially important to slow down and keep a careful lookout at dawn or dusk, when panthers are most likely to be on the move. Scan the road and shoulder ahead. If you see a panther cross the road ahead of you, slow down, there could be others.
– Report sightings of injured or dead panthers by calling the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or #FWC or *FWC on a cell phone. Another option is texting Tip@MyFWC.com.
– People can help with panther research by reporting sightings at MyFWC.com/Panther. Reporting your observations can help FWC biologists address panther conservation needs by identifying the areas used by the large cats.
– Florida residents can support panther conservation efforts by purchasing a Protect the Panther license plate. Learn more at BuyAPlate.com. Fees from license plate sales are the primary funding source for the FWC’s research and management of Florida panthers.