|
Florida panther
kills pet in Immokalee
(Note: The 2004 attack killed many more than "two"
goats and an emu. The panther was unafraid of and was
stalking, not only the small livestock, but also the person who was at
the scene documenting the attack with a video recorder. Prepare
for major Language Deception. Where there's one deliberate
"miscount," there are bound to be others. Please keep in
mind that these "Florida panthers" originated in Texas and
were "introduced" to Florida, where they apparently
immediately became "Florida panthers.")
December 16, 2005
Contacts:
Dani Moschella, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) dani.moschella@myfwc.com
or 772-215-9459
Tom MacKenzie, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) tom_mackenzie@fws.gov or 404-679-7291
Living with wildlife FAQ http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/05/south/12-16-05livingwithwildlifetips.pdf (1
page)
An investigation by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers has confirmed an Immokalee homeowner’s report that a Florida panther killed his pet Chihuahua. The attack occurred around 8 p.m., December 12. The homeowner said he shined a light out of his window after hearing the dog yelping. He said a few minutes later the panther retreated to the woods with the small dog. The homeowner reported the incident to the FWC, which dispatched law enforcement officers to investigate. When officers arrived, the panther and dog were gone, but there was blood on the ground. An officer and a biologist returned to the scene the following morning and found the fresh tracks of a male Florida panther. Before the attack, the Chihuahua and another pet dog were tethered by a cable in the side yard of the residence near adjacent woods. There was no fence between the dogs and the forest area. The property is surrounded by many acres of wildlife habitat, connected to areas often used by panthers. This is the second report of a Florida panther attacking a domestic dog in 20 years. The last one was in the late 1980s, however, the dog involved in that attack was not seriously injured. In 2004, a Florida panther killed two domestic goats and an emu near Ochopee.
Interactions between Florida panthers and humans are rare. The cats hunt at night and generally are afraid of people. There has never been a reported injury or death of a human caused by a Florida panther. FWC law enforcement officers are paying repeat visits to the site where the dog attack occurred. The homeowner told officers he was particularly concerned because the family runs a small daycare center out of the house during the day. However, he said the family has taken measures to ensure the safety of the children. Panther experts advise parents living in Florida panther country to watch children whenever they play outdoors, and make sure they are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn. Parents should also talk with children about Florida panthers and teach them what to do if they encounter one -- specifically, not to approach the cat, not to run and not to crouch down (which would make children appear smaller). The Florida panther has been recognized as an endangered species for nearly 40 years. Experts believe there are between 70 and 100 living in the wild. Scientists use radio collars to monitor the movements and behavior of about a third of the known Florida panther population. FWC, the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service work together to respond to Florida panther incidents and to educate and inform the public about ways to live safely with wildlife, including the Florida panther. A fact sheet on Living Safely in Florida Panther Country is available at http://myfwc.com/panther
Copyright 2005, State of Florida.
Additional related reading (Language Deception):
Florida Panther Net - Official Education Site (Note: Prepare to read a great deal of Language Deception here, beginning with the title of the website: "Florida Panther." These are Texas cougars that were captured and transported to Florida. Their DNA is exactly the same as every other mountain lion, puma, cougar, etc. They are NOT "Florida" panthers, and they are not "endangered." Note the "science" involved in the "official education" you will find here: "Copyright 1999. Florida Panther Net, State of Florida.... Content development by faculty and students from the Institute of Science and Public Affairs at the Florida State University.")
Tips for living in wild Florida Special to the Sun
As the population of Florida continues to grow, more and more people are moving into Florida's remaining wildlife habitat. Interactions are sure to increase between humans and wildlife -- including bear, deer, raccoons, coyotes and Florida panthers. Here's what you need to know about living safely in "Wild Florida." Wildlife-proof your home or office * Don't hand-feed wildlife: By feeding deer or other wildlife in your yard, you may inadvertently attract predators such as Florida panthers, wild dogs and bears. Take in bird feeders at night. * Deer- and rabbit-proof your landscape: Avoid using plants that deer prefer to eat. If landscaping attracts deer, Florida panthers and other predators may be close by. * Landscape for safety: Remove dense and low-lying vegetation near homes that can provide good hiding places for Florida panthers, especially around children's play areas. * Closely supervise children: Watch children playing outdoors near a wildlife habitat. Make sure children are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn. Talk with children about bears, Florida panther, coyotes and other wildlife and teach them what to do if they encounter one. * Install motion-sensitive outdoor lighting: Keep the house perimeter well lit at night -- especially along walkways -- to keep any approaching wildlife visible. * Keep pets and livestock secure: Unprotected animals are easy prey for hungry Florida panthers and coyotes. Either bring pets inside or keep them in a kennel with a secure top. Don't feed pets outside. This can attract Florida panther prey. Secure livestock at night. What to do if you encounter a Florida panther * Keep children close to you. * Do not approach a Florida panther: Most will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape. * Do not run from a Florida panther: Running may stimulate a panther's instinct to chase. Stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. 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. * Do not crouch or bend over: A person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal. * Appear larger: Raise your arms. Open your jacket, if you are wearing one. 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. The idea is to convince the Florida panther that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it. * Fight back if attacked: While there has never been a reported panther attack in Florida, in western states many potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools and their bare hands. Since a Florida panther usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the animal.
Information provided by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Adapted from the pdf format: http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/05/south/12-16-05livingwithwildlifetips.pdf http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/05/south/pantherpet.html
2005 Statewide News Releases
Community Relations Office in Tallahassee, Florida
850-488-4676 |