Living with Panthers

Panthers are solitary, quiet, and elusive. There has never been a panther attack on a human, and panthers only occasionally kill livestock.

The likelihood of human-panther interactions increases as human activities encroach on natural Florida panther habitat. If you live in panther country, there are many ways that you can reduce the effects of human activities, including protecting pets and livestock and learning what to do if you see a panther.

If You Live in Panther Country

Do not feed wildlife. This attracts predators to your home and creates a safety risk.

  • Landscape with plants that deer do not like
  • Fence in fruit and vegetable gardens that might attract wildlife
  • Make sure that food set out for pets/livestock/birds is only accessible to the animals you are feeding.
  • Bring in pet food when they are done eating.
  • Landscape for safety. Make it difficult for a panther to approach unseen.
  • Remove dense and/or low-lying vegetation that would provide good hiding places for panthers.
  • Use motion-sensor lighting around the house and walkways.
  • Keep children safe. Talk with children about panthers and what to do it they encounter one.
  • Keep a close watch on children whenever they play outdoors.
  • Make sure children are inside before dusk and not outside before dawn.

Protecting Pets and Livestock

Unlike wild animals, most livestock and pets do not have the skills to protect themselves. Thousands of years of breeding have made domestic animals dependent on people for protection. The following are ways that you can protect your pets and livestock.

  • Install frightening devices. Panther depend on surprise to catch their prey
  • Motion or timer-activated outdoor lighting may keep panthers away.
  • Loud noises, sprinklers, or other devises such as those used to keep birds out of fields may also deter panthers.
  • Keep pets safe. They can be easy prey for a sick or injuried panther.
  • Keep pets indoors or secure them n a covered run
  • If you allow pets to roam, keep in mind that they are facing the same risks as letting them play near a busy street.
  • Protect vulnerable livestock and animals. panther are attracted by the smell of blood.
  • Keep injuired animals, and livestock nearing/following birth, in fully enclose structures
  • Immediately remove and destroy carcasses, afterbirth and other animal by-products
  • Use livestock enclourses and fencing.
  • Secure livestock in fully enclosed barns, pens or sheds.
  • Openings such as windows, doors, and large gaps are attractants and may provide access for panthers.
  • Place all livestock enclourses away from trees or vegetation that apnthers may climb or hide in.
  • Fences should be at least 10 feet high, constructed in either heavy woven wire or alternating hot and grounded electric wires.
  • Adding a wire mesh overhang or an electric wire of at least 5,000 volts at the top of the fence may prevent panthers from climbing over.
  • Use guard animals. guard dogs specifically bred to protect livestock from predators have been used for thousands of years in Europe. Studies in American show that properly trained guard dogs reduced predation by as much as 93%.
  • Guard dogs are not pets, and must be specifically raised and trained to be effective.
  • Guard dogs are suited to large herds and remote locations.
  • Horned cattle are also being used in some ranching operations as a deterrent to predators.
  • Llamas and donkeys are more effective against coyotes than mountain lions
  • Caution: guards dogs may also pose a risk to people.

What To Do if You See a Panther

If you see a Florida panther, whether it is on your property or in the wild, stay calm. No Florida panther has ever attacked a human. More than likely, it will walk away. If for any reason the panther does not walk away, show no fear. Make lots of noise, and don't turn your back on it. Instead, back away from the animal.
Follow these tips:

  • Do not hike alone
  • Go in groups, with adults supervising
  • Keep children in your sight at all times
  • Talk with children about panthers and what to do if they encounter one.
  • Do not approach a panther
  • Panthers will try to avoid confrontation, give them a way to escape
  • Do not run from a panther
  • Running may stimulate a panther’s instinct to chase. Stand and face the panther. Pick up children (without bending over or turning away from the panther) so they don’t panic and run.
  • Do not crouch down or bend over
  • A human standing up is not the right shape for a wild cat’s prey. On the other hand, a person bending over or squatting looks like a four-legged prey animal.
  • Appear larger
  • Raise your arms, open your jacket. Pick up small children. Wave your arms slowly and speak in a firm, loud voice. The idea is to convince the panther that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it.
  • Fight back if attacked
  • Many potential victims of mountain lion attacks in the western United States have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, toold and their bare hands.
  • Panther attack prey by trying to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.

Information provided by the National Parks and Conservation Association; and California Department of Fish and Game.