Panther found dead in Florida was shot!

[The Backlash Cometh]

This is sickening. When a large cat print was found in Central Florida it was believed that a large Florida panther had wandered into the area. Very rare. Then a week or so later a 200 pound Panther was found dead in a ditch. The cause of death was reported today. It was shot. A reward is offered to bring in the culprit.

Panther found in Seminole was shot; reward offered

A Florida panther found dead in rural eastern Seminole County last month had been shot, and charges will be filed for the illegal possession of the animal's carcass, wildlife authorities said Monday.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Humane Society of the United States announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case, which has been under investigation for more than a month.

The panther was discovered March 12 in a ditch near South Jungle Road and Old Mims Road in the community of Geneva, south of State Road 46. An area resident was riding his bike when he came across the panther, stretched out on its right side and showing no sign of trauma.

The cyclist went to a nearby home to report his discovery to authorities, but the panther was gone when he returned less than an hour later.


http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/seminole/os-p...