In southwest Florida, a rare Florida panther was caught on video seen running and capturing a family cat in its jaws and then carrying it off as prey on Sunday. It has been assumed the cat was dead by the time the panther carried it away in its jaws.
The graphic video was captured on a home surveillance system and posted on LiveLeak by D3ph3ult.
According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the panther attack occurred in the Golden Gate Estates area of Collier County located near prestigious Naples. Other panthers have previously been spotted throughout other parts of Florida including Osceola, Orange, Seminole, Brevard, Volusia and Flagler counties.
Homeowners in the area have been notified of the sightings.
“FWC has set up a sign at the entrance of the neighborhood with brochures about living with panthers, and staff are also going door to door to notify residents that panthers are in the area and to educate them on how to reduce conflicts with these animals.”
Residents are reminded to protect house pets and keep them indoors or in a predator-resistant enclosure – especially at night. Not only are panthers placing domestic pets at risk, wildlife experts also warn against bears, coyotes and bobcats. The Panther Sighting Registry states:
“Florida panthers are the larger of Florida’s two native cat species (panthers and bobcats). Although most panthers are found south of Lake Okeechobee, they have been documented throughout the peninsula and even into Georgia. Female panthers have only been documented in south Florida so that is where all known breeding occurs. Panthers are listed as an Endangered Species under the Endangered Species Act. There are approximately 120-230 adult panthers in the population.”
Tips for residents to reduce predators in their neighborhoods and yards can be found here.
Rest in peace poor kitty.
(Photos of panther attacking cat via freezeshots from video)
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That just breaks my heart.
That cat was clearly not dead when the panther was carrying it off. If you watch the video it was squirming like crazy. What idiot would have said it was assumed dead. That was just awful.
So sorry about this tragedy! Angel Kitty is in heaven now enjoying her forever happy home!
Well we keep having kids and needing more room for houses. Poor wild animals have to eat. Keep taking away their land, using poison. What can you expect Poor little cat, but it was a fast kill, not like humans, our abuse is much more deadly.
Such a shame, because cats do like to be outside. I would have my backyard fenced on top with chain link, from wall to to wall, so the cat can still go outside when he or she wants to, feel the sun and the grass, etc.
Wow! Protecting your pets has always been important but in certain areas even more so. Hopefully families will take heed and follow these instructions.
What are these people thinking, letting their animals run loose? Do they not have brains down there? RIP poor kitty, your humans failed you.
That’s called hunting killing to survive, not like the loser hunters who kill to enjoy the suffering of dying animals. Big difference!!!!
The cat should NOT have been outdoors to begin with. My cats are indoor-only and always will be. The life expectancy of cats allowed to roam is about 1/4th that of a cat kept indoors. I feel for the owners, but I’m sorry. If they really loved the cat, it wouldn’t be allowed outdoors to begin with.
Again, when you live in an area where panthers are and let your cats outside you are responsible for their safety. Don’t blame the panthers – they are hunting for food since humans have encroached into their territory and developed these grounds for human habitation – pushing out the wildlife that are only trying to survive due to human greed for more and more land. Keep your cats indoors where they will be safe from predators. It is your responsibility – not the panthers – WAKE UP!