State may push to get panther off endangered species list

[Baitball Blogger]

Florida panthers are prowling the state's swamps, ranchlands and forests in numbers not seen in at least half a century..

Now the state wildlife commission plans to discuss whether to seek the panther's removal from the federal endangered species list, an action certain to generate intense debate among landowners, environmentalists and residents of panther habitat.

The panther, one of the original 14 mammals named to the endangered species list in 1967, has rebounded sharply from a low of just 20 or 30 south and west of Lake Okeechobee. Today an estimated 150 to 250 of them stalk deer, hogs and other prey in southwest Florida, with adventurous males ranging into central and northern Florida.

Their resurgence has led to increased attacks on farm animals, more sightings in residential neighborhoods and a record number of panthers hit by cars and trucks. Hostility has risen as well. Several panthers have been shot, including one rescued last year in Collier County after being blinded by a shotgun blast to the face. When panthers are hit by cars, some hunters cheer the news on Facebook. Local elected officials intent on approving development in panther habitat claim it's not a distinct species from its western cousin, the mountain lion, or cougar.


http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/fl-panther-plan-20150605-story.html

[In_The_Wind]

1. How about big cat birth control pills?

[shenmue]

2. It's a sensitive subject

They need to have "the talk" with the cats.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

3. So a species with 150-250 remaining isn't endangered?

Really?

FFS.

[In_The_Wind]

4. In my book it is.