What was once dense forest areas are now small pockets of woods scattered sparsely around the state. The remaining population is so small that inbreeding has become a severe problem. In Florida, the panther prefers to eat White-Tailed deer and wild hogs. They will also eat armadillo, birds, raccoons and rabbits. If lucky, a single panther may eat 35-50 deer each year.
Panthers stalk their prey and then ambush from behind.
They can run up to 35 miles per hour over short distances so they must ambush quickly. They will eat what they can then cover the rest with dirt and leaves to return the following day to finish. Mating takes place in January or February. Usually solitary, the males and females will travel together at this time. Gestation is about 95 days.