A critically endangered Florida Panther has been killed by a vehicle in Pasco County, marking the first death recorded in that county.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission‘s Panther Pulse website, the 2-to-3-year-old male panther identified as UCFP488 was discovered on July 1.

UCFP488 was found on Interstate 75, more than half a mile south of State Road 56.

In 2025, 10 panther deaths have been reported in the state, nine 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 and Hendry counties remain the deadliest regarding panther deaths in 2025, with four reported fatalities by vehicles in each county.

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.

The highest reported number of panther deaths happened in both 2015 and 2016, which are tied at 42 reported panther deaths.

Since the FWC began recording panther fatalities in 2014, Pasco County had remained the only area without a death reported.

To help conserve the species, the FWC prints “Protect the Panther” license plates, where fees accrued from sales provide the primary funding source for the research and management of Florida panthers.

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

There are two ways to purchase a panther plate.

Become a first-time panther tag owner or replace your current plate with the new plate by visiting your local Tax Collector office to purchase or renew 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 for WINK News. I have been with WINK since May 2023. If you have a story idea, please contact me.