About 100 native Florida panthers currently live in the wild. The shy, quiet animals have never been known to attack humans, and few people will ever be lucky enough to see one in person.
Listed as endangered since 1967, panther populations have been dwindling rapidly in recent years due to urban development and car collisions. 14 panthers have already died this year, and at the current rates, 2012 will be the deadliest year for panthers since record keeping began in 1981.
Recently, Governer Rick Scott chose to revive a highway corridor plan and scale back urban growth management laws. This will make it easier for developers to push further into panther habitats and further threaten the species. The new highway plans will inevitably cause more car crash deaths.
Please urge Florida State Legislators to take action against urban sprawl and protect the iconic Florida panther.
Dear Florida State Legislators,
We are concerned with the dwindling numbers of Florida panthers. We believe that new plans for urban development will further threaten this endangered species.
About 100 native Florida panthers currently live in the wild. Listed as endangered since 1967, panther populations have been dwindling rapidly in recent years due to urban development and car collisions. 14 panthers have already died this year, and at the current rates, 2012 will be the deadliest year for panthers since record keeping began in 1981.
We understand that Governer Rick Scott recently chose to revive a highway corridor plan and scale back urban growth management laws. We believe that his will make it easier for developers to push further into panther habitats and further threaten the species. The new highway plans will inevitably cause more car crash deaths.
We urge you to reconsider these new development plans and to take steps to protect the iconic Florida panther. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
