Now is the time to help protect one of our most iconic wildlife species - the Florida panther - from dying out. Fewer than 100 panthers remain in Florida today, and already five panthers have been killed on south Florida highways this year, with an additional 24 panthers killed by vehicles in the preceding two years.

That's why I am asking you to please, sign our petition to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and help us make sure the rare and extraordinarily beautiful Florida Panther is saved from extinction.

The situation for the panther is desperate. Although the Florida Panther has been listed as endangered since 1967, the amendment to the Endangered Species Act requiring each listed species have "designated critical habitat" did not go into effect until 10 years later. As a result, no critical habitat exists for the Florida panther - our country's only big cat east of the Mississippi.

So please, take action right now. By signing our petition you can help make sure that the critical habitat the panthers so desperately need is designated and protected.

Florida panthers once roamed freely from Arkansas, east to the Carolinas and south along the coastal states to the Florida Everglades. Unfortunately, a long history of shooting, excessive development, mercury poisoning, loss of habitat, and road-crossing fatalities have pushed the panther to its last foothold in the wilderness of southern Florida.  

Florida panthers are now clinging to survival in only 5% of the territory they once roamed to seek food, water and shelter, as well as breed and rear their young.

​Please sign our petition and help us provide critical habitat for the Florida panther and protect this magnificent animal from extinction.

Thank you in advance for your support.


Source: Sierra Club