Florida biologists captured the heaviest panther ever recorded in the state as part of a research program into the endangered animal. The adult male panther weighed 166 pounds, according to the ...

Though the Florida panther is the sunshine state's official animal, only about 130 to 230 now exist in the wild, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Biologists also collected blood and tissue samples as part of a comprehensive health assessment of the animal. “The GPS collars deployed on panthers allow researchers to track movement patterns ...

As both the number of panthers and the number of people living in Florida grows, so does the chance of encountering the animal — especially in rural areas, according to wildlife officials.

The 166 pound panther was given a GPS collar, so that researchers can monitor its movements, health and population dynamics. You can support these projects directly by purchasing a ‘Protect the ...