Florida panther seen in preserve
STAFF REPORT
 
 
01/11/2002
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
 
SARASOTA
BS3
(Copyright 2002)
 
 
 
A biologist using cameras with infrared got pictures earlier this month of a Florida panther living in the Carlton Reserve.

There are fewer than 100 Florida panthers. In the mid-1990s, with breeding stock depleted, biologists brought in cougars to help preserve the species.

 
Chris Belden, a wildlife researcher with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, found evidence of a panther living in the region late last year.

According to a Sarasota County release, a panther triggered an infrared camera Belden had secured to a tree.