Wildlife officials find the heaviest Florida Panther in record

Wildlife biologists have discovered the heaviest Florida Panther ever recorded. The adult man weighs one impressive 166 pounds (75 kg). The exceedit The typical range from £ 102 to 154 (46 to 69 kg) for men. Female panther who are much smaller generally Weigh between 50 and 108 pounds (22 and 49 kg).

The massive panther was found on the Babcock Ranch Preserve. The 68,000 hectare protected area is managed jointly by state and private nature conservation groups. Wildlife officials had seen the cat on trail cameras for years, but could not grasp them. With specially trained dogs, they finally managed to catch the animal on January 29, 2025.

After the wildlife officers had successfully recorded the Panther, he sedated safely. Biologists then carried out a thorough health test, including blood tests and genetic sampling. They also fade away the panther with a GPS collar to monitor his movements and well-being. Officials then administered a reversal agent to wake him up. Within minutes the animal was vigilant and back in its natural environment. The entire process took about an hour.

The scientists owe the great size of the panther for the abundance of wild pigs in his habitat. These invasive animals were introduced by Spanish settlers in Florida in the 1500s. The aggressive creatures destroy the local vegetation and also compete for food with other wild animals. As a result, officials appreciate predators who help to keep their population in chess.

Florida Panthers are a subspecies of the mountain lion. These large cats are mainly covered with a gel seed fur with whitish-gray belly and chest. Once in large parts of Florida and even in Georgia, their population quickly decreased due to the loss of habitat and hunting. In the 1970s, only about 30 Florida Panthers remained in the wild.

They were among the first species that were protected according to the law on endangered species and were signed in the law in December 1973. Since then, their population has slowly recovered. Scientists estimate that there are currently between 120 and 230 adult Florida Panthers in the wild.

Resources: nwf.org, Smithsonianmag.com, FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute