As Florida’s state animal, the Florida Panther has a special place in the hearts and minds of Floridians. It is Florida’s state animal, but also one of the most endangered species in the Nation. They are threatened by destruction of their habitat, collisions with automobiles, intra-species competition and genetic defects caused by extensive inbreeding.

Historically, Florida Panthers lived in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, but today only a small population lives in Southern Florida’s Everglades and Big Cypress Swamp.

The Florida Panther Conservation Banks, working with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the US Government, the Great State of Florida and many other private and public organizations have made significant strides towards restoring and preserving essential habitat for this magnificent animal for the benefit of future generations.