COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — Two endangered panther cubs were found dead on private property in Collier County, wildlife officials said.
The remains of a male and female cub, both believed to be about three months old, were found Thursday in North Belle Meade, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said. Their cause of death is unknown.
The cubs were part of a litter of three born in January. Their deaths mark 12 total panther deaths this year, wildlife officials said.
Florida panthers once roamed the entire southeast but are now confined to a small portion of habitat along the Gulf of Mexico, which continues to decrease because of encroaching development. There are believed to be about 230 in the wild.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Cox Media Group
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