Identifying characteristics of the Florida panther are a distinctive crook at the very end of the tail, a whorl or cowlick in the middle of the back, and an irregular white flecking across the head, neck and shoulders. The Florida panther stalks its prey, then pounces and grabs at the throat or back. Often the panther will hide the uneaten portion of its catch, covering it with brush and leaves, and return to it till the meat is no longer good. Its principal prey are the white tailed deer and armadillos, but it will take other prey, such as wild hogs, raccoons, other small animals and birds. It sometimes also eats grass.
Panthers begin to breed at about three years of age.
From December through February, the females initiate courtship and males fight for first breeding privileges. Gestation is about 90 days and up to six kittens may be born. Young panthers stay close to their mother for about two years. The Florida panther generally needs subtropical, dense forests composed mainly of trees, shrubs, and vines in low-lying, swampy areas. It has also been found at times in pine forests.