Photographer thrilled after capturing uncommon photos of elusive creature in US wilderness: ‘A really particular delight’

A volunteer photographer in southwest Florida checked his path digital camera and noticed an endangered Florida panther strolling together with her two kittens, which is uncommon, based on The News Tribune. There are solely round 200 adults left within the wild, and fewer than half of their kittens survive their first yr, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says.

The footage got here from the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, a 60,000-acre stretch of protected land in Lee and Collier counties. Tom Mortenson had been monitoring the feminine panther, tagged as FP266, after she was collared in January 2024 by the FWC. He first noticed her alone in May 2024, with up-close footage, then with one kitten in June.

In July 2025, his digital camera lastly caught her with each kittens in the identical body, albeit with footage that makes them more durable to see, which The News Tribune’s article gained permission to share.

“Seeing those photos come into my iPhone was a very special delight,” Mortenson stated in an e mail, quoted in The News Tribune.

This is an effective instance of why path digital camera photos are so helpful; they provide conservation groups time-stamped proof of endangered species and their survival. The Natural Resources Conservation Service says panthers assist preserve prey populations in test, which helps balanced ecosystems like wholesome wetlands. Wetlands filter ingesting water and cut back flooding for close by communities, so holding panthers on the panorama helps to maintain the individuals who dwell round it.

“Florida panthers help balance our ecosystems. The health of this species helps ensure we have stable wildlife populations and functioning natural areas,” stated senior conservation initiatives supervisor with The Nature Conservancy in Florida, Wendy Mathews.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported Florida panthers have grown from a low of about 10 animals in 1967 to greater than 200 right now. In the Nineteen Nineties, wildlife managers introduced in eight feminine Texas pumas to breed with the remaining panthers, which helped enhance their numbers. Other consultants warn that their inhabitants wants to succeed in about 240 to keep away from extinction. Female panthers often have one to 3 kittens as soon as they’re sufficiently old to breed.

The sighting is proof that path cameras can repay, because it is not widespread to get a Florida panther mom and her two kittens all collectively in a single shot.

The RWC Research Facebook page reminds individuals to report sightings in the event that they spot a panther within the wild, be sure that to drive safely to keep away from any accidents with the animals, and unfold consciousness to “educate others on the importance of preserving their habitats.”

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