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Life in Naples
Life in Naples

THE MAGAZINE OF NAPLES

23

MAY, JUNE, JULY 2022 Contents 20 1. FLORIDA LOVES ITS PANTHERS. In 1982 students 5. THEY AVOID HUMANS. When a human approaches,
8 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT
THE FLORIDA PANTHER

in Florida chose the panther as the“state animal.”
Florida panthers will be still, hide or try to circle behind.
In the rare chance that you do encounter them, try to
Tens of thousands of Floridians have paid for
a specialty “Protect the Panther” Florida license
make yourself large – do not cower – and remain still.
plate whose proceeds pay for panther research.
2. THERE ARE ONLY ABOUT 200+ OF THEM. Although
MIGHT THINK. Florida panthers can live over 20 years
its numbers have rebounded from the days when 6. THEY’RE BIGGER – AND LIVE LONGER – THAN YOU
in the wild. Males can measure nearly 7 feet from nose
there were only 20, the population of panthers is still to tail and weigh between 100 to 160 lbs. Females are
just over 200. Even at the best estimates, the Florida about 6 feet in length and weigh between 50 to 115 lbs.
Toofer & The Giblet
panther is one of the rarest and most endangered
mammals in the U.S., and is protected under both 7. THERE IS A FLORIDA PANTHER NATIONAL
the Endangered Species Act and Florida law. WILDLIFE REFUGE. Located 20 miles east of Naples,
greet the world the mission of the Panther Refuge is to conserve and
3. THEY NEED A LOT OF ROOM. The Florida panther’s manage lands and waters primarily for the Florida
with rave
historic territory used to be the entire Southeast U.S., panther and provide habitat for numerous endangered
but now they are confined to America’s Everglades and and threatened species of birds, plants, mammals,
reviews
surrounding areas of southwest Florida. Male adults and a wide variety of fish, reptiles, and amphibians.
32 the smaller, 75 to 153 square mile ranges of females. 8. HUMANS ARE THE FLORIDA PANTHER’S
may range from 168 to 277 square miles, overlapping
GREATEST THREAT. Florida panthers are killed
4. THEY ARE FAST AND EFFICIENT HUNTERS. Florida by cars and trucks, particularly on State Road 29
panthers’ method of hunting is to creep up as close to and along “Alligator Alley,” I-75. Although illegal,
their prey as possible and launch a short spring ambush some hunters still shoot panthers occasionally. Most
– at speeds up to 35 mph for a few hundred yards! Deer seriously, Florida panthers are threatened by habitat
loss.
and wild hogs are their preferred food, but panthers will
For Moms and Dads 40
eat raccoons, rabbits, rodents, opossums, and birds.
For nearly 30 years, The Everglades Foundation has been working to restore and protect
and those just like them the Everglades through science, advocacy, and education.
Follow us on social media or contact Nikkie Dvorchak, Director of Development & Events,
Southwest Florida at ndvorchak@EvergladesFoundation.org or (239) 206-1685
Happy Mother's Day EvergFoundation EvergladesFoundation
and The Naples Players Photo © Mac Stone
Happy Father's Day
Announce the
46 2022 - 2023
Season
Art After Dark 30
features 66
Share the trail and sidewalks too 20

The Florida Panther 23
Holistic Focus This Summer – Hydration 32
Toofer & The Giblet 40

For Moms and Dads 46
The Naples Players 66

6 Life in Naples | May, June, July 2022