A trail camera posted near a Florida interstate captured footage of an endangered predator tending to its young, as highlighted by Outdoors.com.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service posted the clip on social media in mid-August, showcasing the impact of wildlife crossings. The video captured a panther and her cubs avoiding the nearby hazard of I-75, and, just for good measure, a close-up of one of the adorable kits being carried by its mother.
In the post’s caption, the USFWS pointed out that crossings are a win-win scenario for wildlife and people alike. “Wildlife crossings like this one save lives. Not just panther lives, but also the lives of people too. Collisions between vehicles and wildlife are dangerous and sadly common in Florida,” the agency wrote.
The Florida panther is a subspecies of Puma concolor, found across the Americas. And if you’ve ever wondered what the differences are between a cougar, mountain lion, and puma, well, that’s a trick question — they’re all the same cat.
These striking tawny carnivores can thrive in a variety of habitats and interact with nearly 500 species. Accordingly, a study by Panthera described them as “nature’s brokers.”
Unfortunately, the Florida panther has suffered from extensive habitat loss and is barely holding on in the wild, with only around 200 remaining there. For a species to remain viable, habitat connectivity is vital. Highways fragment habitats and are the leading cause of panther mortality in the Sunshine State.
There is, however, a solution to that problem: wildlife crossings under or over highways. When placed correctly, they can have a huge impact in reducing vehicle-animal collisions, according to Environment America.
But the video demonstrates the importance of trail cameras in conservation efforts too. Researchers worldwide use camera traps to monitor wildlife without disturbing their habitats. The cameras pick up what human eyes miss, which is particularly helpful for tracking the rarest species. The insights gained from these valuable tools help inform effective local strategies.
The heartwarming footage attracted several comments from delighted viewers and calls for more wildlife-friendly infrastructure.
“What a good mama,” wrote one commenter.
“Amazing! More wildlife crossings please,” added another.
A similar comment extolled the virtues of these essential corridors: “Wildlife crossings like this are so important. We need to increase the number of crossings while also restoring more habitat.”
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