Ghost Cats are Difficult to See

The Florida Panther really does roam through the Fakahatchee Strand, even though you might not see one. Also known as the "Ghost Cat," these crafty predators silently stalk deer, rabbits, and wild boar. On one of our sojourns, Ranger Mike was in the vehicle ahead of us. His truck suddenly pulled over. We pulled off the road as well.

"Guys- guys, I just saw a Florida Panther! Looked like a healthy male. About 7' long tip to tail."

We looked into the thick foliage where Mike had seen it go. Nothing. Not a moving branch, not a whisper. Then Jed looked down at the fresh mud.

"Oh yeah Ted, he was here!"

As Jed and I continued to listen more intently than we'd ever listened before, Ranger Mike retrieved his trusty waterproof notebook and got to documenting our findings. 

When no-one was looking, I rested my palm into the panther footprint, just to get that "Ghost Cat" vibe.