Florida

Man Finds Florida Panther Sitting on Porch

Biologists estimate there are 100-180 adults and yearling panthers in Florida

A Fort Myers man captured a rare sight recently when a Florida panther decided to take a rest on his father's porch.

Phil Hendra was at the house in East Fort Myers in Lee County on March 18 when he took a photo of the endangered panther.

Hendra sent the photo to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which posted it on Facebook.

[NATL] Unbelievable Animal Stories: Dog Befriends Abandoned Baby Giraffe

"It stayed for about 20 minutes and laid down for a bit," Hendra told the FWC. "It looked at us inside the window then slowly walked away and we have not seen it since. My parents have lived here since 1988 and they may have seen a younger panther about two years ago, but nothing compares to this once in a lifetime experience."

Panthers are endangered and FWC biologists estimate there are 100-180 adults and yearlings in Florida. Report panther sightings here. [[374029821, C]]

Contact Us