$12,000 Reward for Info on Who Shot Endangered Panther

What is wrong with people? Some mysterious sadist in the Keys is going around slashing the mouths of poor pelicans, and earlier this month, someone shot an 18-month-old female endangered Florida panther in the Big Cypress National Preserve. Yesterday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced a $12,000 reward...

By Deirdra Funcheon

December 19, 2013

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What is wrong with people? Some mysterious sadist in the Keys is going around slashing the mouths of poor pelicans, and earlier this month, someone shot an 18-month-old female endangered Florida panther in the Big Cypress National Preserve.

Yesterday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced a $12,000 reward for anyone who can help them find the panther killer.

The panther was found dead by people who own land inside the preserve. It was found in an area where hunting is allowed.

Anyone with info is asked to call 888-404-3922, text [email protected], or visit MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.

The $12,000 is an especially large reward for the FWC. It regularly offers rewards to people who report violators, but those typically range from $50 for Level I violations like fishing without a license to $350 for Level IV offenses like robbing a lobster trap or boating under the influence. There is a $1,000 for felony cases like the black-market sale of protected species.

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