The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute recently conducted an assessment of three newborn Florida panther kittens, designated K522, K523, and K524. According to information shared by the FWC today, biologists used GPS collars to track an adult female panther to her den. Once the mother left to hunt, the team was able to located the kittens to begin their health check.
At just 2 to 4 weeks old, the kittens were sexed, weighed, dewormed, microchipped, and given a biopsy for genetic research. This procedure, while routine for the research team, contributes to a larger database of data collected over 32 years, which has helped researchers assess litter sizes, sex ratios, den site selections, and more.
Tragically, the FWC noted that two of the kittens were killed by a predator—possibly another panther or a bear—just days after the assessment. With only one remaining kitten, the FWC underscored the harsh reality for Florida panthers, noting that only 32% of kittens survive their first year.