Nice Texas Cougars there.....
If people really knew and understood what's going on with the "panthers" in the Cypress, they'd change their tune.
Explain Matt!
Erik -
I am looking for an article that someone sent me a while back. I will post it when I find it. It may be on one of my other computers. The article pays it out nicely. However, basically, there are no longer any real "Florida Panthers" to speak of.
Some time ago, the Feds brought in cougars from Texas (Big cats...not hot older women) to breed with the remaining Florida Panthers. The cougars are genetically close to the panther. Since doing so, their numbers have rebounded.
Most of the tree huggers use these cats as ammunition to argue restrictions on access to public land within the Everglades and Big Cypress. However, the truth of the matter is, ORV use, hunting and recreational access hasn't impacted the "panthers" in any measurable way. In fact, teh studies show that the panthers adapted well to ORV use and other recreational activities.
The biggest impacts on these animals come from habitat encroachment and, more surprising, genetic defects thanks in no small part to the cross breeding with teh Texas cats. I will find the article that goes into more detail on these subjects. However, Pantehrs have basically all but wiped out the hog popultaion in the galdes.
