Federal and state agencies are offering a reward of up to $15,200 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a suspect or suspects involved in the shooting death of a Florida panther.
The panther was found April 21 near the Hendry Correctional Institute. It was on private property bordering the Big Cypress National Preserve. Authorities say the panther was shot within a week of being discovered.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are investigating.
There are only about 100 Florida panthers left, authorities say. The felines are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
"It is our agency's mission to protect and preserve the rare and magnificent panther, the state's official animal, for future generations," conservation commission Capt. Jeff Ardelean said in a written statement.
Whoever shot the panther committed a federal and state offense. A conviction carries up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine. The state penalty is up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Along with the federal and state wildlife agencies, eight others including corporations or associations contributed to the $15,200 reward.
Anyone with information can call the USFWS's Office of Law Enforcement in Fort Myers at (239) 561-8144. To remain anonymous, call the FWC's Wildlife Alert Line at 1-888-404-3922.
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