Florida panther sightings are among the rarest wildlife moments in the United States, and Southwest Florida is the only place where encounters like this still happen. The Florida panther is an endangered subspecies with an estimated population of roughly 120 to 230, most living in Collier County and the surrounding preserves. These cats move through quiet corridors of wetlands, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks, often traveling at night when the landscape is cooler and more active. Backyard

Wading through the week like: This graceful panther was spotted at Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. "Florida panthers don’t just rule the land, they’re strong swimmers, too," USFWS said. "This young male confidently crosses open water at a spot known as Fred’s Hole, a pond apple slough deep in Fakahatchee Strand in Florida." #Panther Wildlife #Conservation #Nature | Environmental Defense Fund