Record Number Of Florida Panthers Died In 2015

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

CLEWISTON, Fla. (AP) — Florida Panther deaths in the state reached a record total of 41 for 2015.

Thirty of those were killed by vehicles.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reports that a 7-month-old female panther was found dead Wednesday on a rural Hendry County road.

FWC biologists estimate there are 100 to 180 Florida Panthers left in the wild. Experts say increased deaths can be attributed to more people in the state.

Over the last year, much has been made of the state's panther count and whether it's entirely accurate.

Ranchers argue the number is likely higher, based on the number of livestock attacked. This year they reported 32 attacks, down from a record 39 last year.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)