TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) introduced three new Florida Panther kittens on Wednesday.
Kittens known as K525, K526, and K527 range from two to four weeks.
Researchers said they will use their mother’s GPS color data to determine when she left the burrow for hunting.
The newborn kitten was rescued from the moment of a wrecked car before demolishing
According to FWRI, biologists found burrows and each kitten took biopsy samples for gender, metering, deworming, microbutterflies, and genetic assessment.
Garbage mother FP269 gave birth to three kittens last season. However, the FWRI said it was likely that they were preyed upon by black bears.
“The survival rate for Florida Panther kittens to be in their first year is low, just 32%. It’s difficult to be a Panther. It’s even harder to be a Florida Panther kitten!” FWRI said in a Facebook post.
FWRI said Florida residents can help research and conservation efforts for the next generation of Florida Panthers by purchasing the “Panther Protection” license plate. You can also donate to the Florida Panther Fund via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
