Defenders in Action: Reducing Panther Deaths on Roads Defenders
of Wildlife is working to reduce the number of panthers killed
on roads. From wildlife crossings to slow zones, there are many
ways we can make roads safer for panthers and people alike.
Collision with vehicles is one of the leading causes of death
for Florida panthers. In 2012, a record high of 19 panthers were
killed while crossing the road. For a species whose population
is believed to be just 100-160 animals, even the loss of a
single cat is serious. How We’re Helping In the 1980s, the state
of Florida converted Alligator Alley, a major road through Big
Cypress and the Everglades, to an interstate highway (I-75).
Defenders helped ensure wildlife underpasses and other safety
measures were included in the plans. We also pushed for the
construction of six wildlife crossings on SR-29 when the road
was included as an interchange to I-75. In December 2010,
stakeholders broke ground on a $1.3 million wildlife crossing on
a stretch of road in the hea