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Handbook
Natural History
In this section you will explore the history of the Florida panther and its relationship to other cats.
Is it a mountain lion? a cougar? a puma? Does it roar? You will learn about its physical appearance and its behavior in the wild. Is it black? Does it have spots? How big is it? What does it eat? How does it hunt? Does it live alone or in family groups? How much land does it need to survive? How long does it live and how does it rear its young? You will also discover how biologists and other scientists have discovered so much about this elusive animal.
Do you think panthers hang out in trees?
We have so many pictures of them in trees because they are trying to escape from tracking dogs scientists use to temporarily capture them for radio collaring and medical care. Although panthers spend most of their time on the ground researchers have documented cases of panthers escaping to the trees to elude the advancements of amorous mates and kittens will occasionally play and lounge in trees.