The Florida panther was found perched on a tree (Credit: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute/ CC-BY-SA-2.0/ Facebook)

Wildlife biologists have discovered the heaviest Florida panther ever recorded. The adult male weighs an impressive 166 pounds (75 kg). This surpasses the typical range of 102 to 154 pounds (46 to 69 kg) for males. Female panthers, which are much smaller, generally weigh between 50 and 108 pounds (22 and 49 kg).

The massive panther was found at Babcock Ranch Preserve. The 68,000-acre protected area is co-managed by the state and private conservation groups. Wildlife officials had seen the cat on trail cameras for years but had been unable to capture it. Using specially trained dogs, they finally managed to trap the animal on January 29, 2025.

Wildlife officials sedated the panther for about an hour to examine and collar him (Credit: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute/ CC-BY-SA-2.0/ Facebook)

After the panther was safely sedated, biologists performed a thorough health check, including blood tests and genetic sampling. They also fitted the panther with a GPS collar to monitor its movements and well-being. The officials then administered a reversal agent to wake it. Within minutes, the animal was alert and back in its natural environment. The entire process took about an hour.

The scientists attribute the panther's large size to the abundance of feral hogs in its habitat. These invasive animals were introduced to Florida by Spanish settlers in the 1500s. The aggressive creatures destroy native vegetation and also compete with other wildlife for food. As a result, officials appreciate predators that help keep their population in check.

The Florida panther is the largest on record (Credit: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute/ CC-BY-SA-2.0/ Facebook)

Florida panthers are a subspecies of the mountain lion. These large cats were once found throughout Florida and even into Georgia. However, their population declined rapidly due to loss of habitat and hunting. By the 1970s, only about 30 Florida panthers remained in the wild.

They were among the first species protected under the Endangered Species Act, signed into law in December 1973. Since then, their numbers have slowly rebounded. Scientists estimate there are currently between 120 to 230 adult Florida panthers in the wild.

Resources: nwf.org, smithsonianmag.com, FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute