Florida Panther Deaths Hit Record High

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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — As 2015 comes to an end, it has been a record year for Florida panther deaths.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said 37 panthers died this year. The latest was earlier this week when a year old female was hit by a car in Hendry County. Twenty-six of the 37 panther deaths this year have come on Florida roadways.

CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald reports that one silver lining to the increased deaths could be a rebounding panther population. Between 100 and 180 panthers are estimated to roam the region south of the Caloosahatchee River.

But officials also say the panther deaths could be a sign the cats are running out of habitat because of increased development, especially in southwest Florida.

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