Studies in the Everglades show that a Florida Panther has killed and ate two 1.5 meter-long alligators . Panthers also eat carrion and grass. Raccoons, armadillos, and rabbits are also eaten, especially in areas where large prey are scarce. Panthers will also eat birds and alligators. An adult panther can eat the equivalent of 30 to 50 deer per year.
Females raising young generally require more.
Preferred prey is more abundant in the northern Big Cypress Basin, therefore, panthers inhabiting this area are healthier and more productive that those inhabiting the southern Big Cypress basin. The management of the land in Florida plays a large role in the preservation of the panther population. Several Federal and State agencies own or manage properties inhabited by the panther. Within existing legal boundary each agency is managing their property for panthers and panther prey. Fire and fertilization in southern Florida are major components in the panther population.