Florida panther habitat is under pressure as Southwest Florida development expands

Florida panther habitat is under pressure as Southwest Florida development expands

Residents in Southwest Florida say rapid development in Collier County is destroying Florida panther habitat, increasing wildlife deaths, and straining roads and evacuation routes. Marcela Zurita has learned to brace herself every time she gets in the car. Driving through eastern Collier County means passing construction zones, cleared land, and roads where wildlife still tries to cross territory that once belonged to them. Too often, she says, …