Two critically endangered Florida panther sister kittens have been killed by a vehicle strike in Collier County, racking up the death total this year to 12.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission‘s Panther Pulse website, the sister kittens designated as UCFP 489 and UCFP 490, both 3-and-a-half months old, were discovered on Davis Boulevard, both eastbound and westbound, on Sunday.

UCFP 489 was discovered 90 yards southwest of the entrance to Madison Park, while UCFP 490 was discovered 210 yards southwest of the entrance to Naples Heritage.

In 2025, 12 panther deaths were reported in the state, 11 of which were killed by vehicles.

One death has been attributed to “intraspecific aggression,” which, according to the Center for Academic Research & Training in Anthropogeny, occurs when animals attack members of their species. Typically, this is done as an act of dominance or when resources are scarce, forcing a struggle to improve survival chances.

Currently, Collier County is the deadliest regarding panther deaths in 2025, with six reported fatalities by vehicles.

Hendry County is the second most deadly this year, with four deaths reported by vehicles.

In 2024, 36 panthers were found dead, 29 due to vehicles; one was struck by a train, two were killed by predation, and four died from unknown causes, marking the second-highest yearly death total recorded by the FWC since 2014.

Compared to 2025, 2024 had 16 reported deaths by August, with its 17th death on Aug. 21.

What Led to the Events Unfolding

WINK News contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regarding the recent deaths. 

Reporter Paul Dolan asked how common is it for 2 females to be that close to each other in terms of their own territory.

In response, FWC estimated the kittens were killed at approximately the same time on early Sunday morning, noting that since they were of same age, it is likely that the two kittens were from the same litter.

Regarding previous conversations with FWC, officials noted that a correlation regarding the amount of roadkill and the growth of the panther population.

Lastly, FWC was asked how confident they felt about the species for 2025 and  any habit changes that may result due to their dwindling environmental space.

In response, FWC shared two publications regarding studies conducted in 2024 by staff on the success of genetic rescue and the long-term benefits of that project to the recovery of the population.

Provided below are the two studies:

Conservation Efforts

According to the FWC, the guiding conservation goal for the Florida panther is to manage this significant wildlife resource for its long-term well-being and the benefit of people.

There are two ways to purchase a panther plate.

You can become a first-time panther tag owner or replace your current plate with a new one by visiting your local Tax Collector’s office to purchase or renew it in person.

Renew your existing “Protect the Panther” registration online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Nicholas Karsen is a Digital Specialist and has been with WINK News since May 2023.