Hicks1
Michael Hicks
Professor Dunn
ENC 1101-02
June 18, 2014
Word
The Betrayed Florida Panther
Since the early 1900's the Florida Panther has been a resident of the state of Florida. As
the population of Florida Began to grow the panther habitat began to disappear. With the
Panthers natural habitat diminishing the new residents began to notice the majestic cats and that
is what almost leads to the Florida Panthers eradication. These majestic creatures roamed the
woodlands and swamps of Florida to avoid contact with humans. Florida Panthers are very
solitary creatures and according to ("Jim Bob Tinsley"). These big cats are a vital part of the
ecological balance in the wild. In 1958 the Florida Panther had to be put on the "Protected
Animal List" due to the reckless hunting of the animal. From that time to the present more than
4000 panthers have been killed by the hands of man and habitat loss. It would seem that this
beautiful creature has been betrayed by the very state that vowed to protect it.
The Florida Panther was so wide spread in populous that it had many multiple sub-
species that varied based on location throughout Florida and its surrounding states. By the 1920's
the panther had been completely wiped out of the other states due to people's ignorance and fear.
People feared the big cat not because it was a threat to human life, but to their livestock, and so
Hicks2
the majestic cats were almost wiped of the face of the earth over a few chickens and some cattle.
Game Commissioner "D.C. Jones" of Naples Florida led the movement in 1958 to protect the
majestic Florida Panther. In 1959 partial protection was given to the panther as an endangered
species. According to (FWC) after the...