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Rare Sighting of a Male Florida Panther Vocalizing for a Mate

Video by Sean M. McHugh

The male Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi), a subspecies of the puma, uses a combination of screams, yowls, and growls to attract a mate and communicate with other panthers. Unlike other big cats, Florida panthers do not roar, instead relying on these unique vocalizations.

These calls echo through the forest, carrying over long distances and increasing their chances of finding a female. Three days after this call, the male was seen with a female, and they were observed together for nearly a week.

With their critically endangered status and small population, such sightings are truly remarkable.