"Florida officials are investigating why panthers are seen stumbling and falling down"

[BobPSU92]

Pennsylvania officials are wondering the same thing.

Seriously, see the link below. From the article:

"(CNN) -- There have been two confirmed cases of neurological damage in a panther and bobcat in Florida as of this month, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The agency is investigating the cause of the disorder in the animals that is impacting their ability to walk. In trail camera footage, the animals can be seen stumbling and falling down almost unable to use their back legs.

In total, the FWC said they have seen eight panthers (mostly kittens) and one adult bobcat in various degrees of this condition.

"While the number of animals exhibiting these symptoms is relatively few, we are increasing monitoring efforts to determine the full scope of the issue." said Gil McRae, director of the FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, in a statement on Monday."

https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/20/us/panther-bobcat-disorder-florida-trnd-scn/index.html

 

[Leo Ridens]

Probably after-effects of being mauled by the Clemson tiger.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Have seen many Cougars in that condition locally here in Chicagoland.....most often later on Fri and Sat nights.

 

[LionJim]

Have seen many Cougars in that condition locally here in Chicagoland.....most often later on Fri and Sat nights.

What’s the prevailing theory?

 

[BobPSU92]

What’s the prevailing theory?

Rush Chairman?

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Pennsylvania officials are wondering the same thing.

Seriously, see the link below. From the article:

"(CNN) -- There have been two confirmed cases of neurological damage in a panther and bobcat in Florida as of this month, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The agency is investigating the cause of the disorder in the animals that is impacting their ability to walk. In trail camera footage, the animals can be seen stumbling and falling down almost unable to use their back legs.

In total, the FWC said they have seen eight panthers (mostly kittens) and one adult bobcat in various degrees of this condition.

"While the number of animals exhibiting these symptoms is relatively few, we are increasing monitoring efforts to determine the full scope of the issue." said Gil McRae, director of the FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, in a statement on Monday."

https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/20/us/panther-bobcat-disorder-florida-trnd-scn/index.html

Some scumbag company dumping heavy metals mayhaps

 

[Thomas1945]

Some scumbag company dumping heavy metals mayhaps

That’s quite possible, but then again wouldn’t other animals especially predators manifest the same symptoms? Perhaps it’s a genetic abnormality as the root cause. Also how is it possible for these handicapped predators to survive for any length of time in the wild? Then again if they are mature you’re poisoning theory has even more credence.

 

[wbcincy]

That’s quite possible, but then again wouldn’t other animals especially predators manifest the same symptoms? Perhaps it’s a genetic abnormality as the root cause. Also how is it possible for these handicapped predators to survive for any length of time in the wild? Then again if they are mature you’re poisoning theory has even more credence.

Can also be a disease introduced to the area a la chronic wasting disease in whitetails.

 

[PSUSignore]

Could be from ingesting certain types of algae from a lake or pond. This has been a problem in Austin this summer, there's a blue-green algae that is a toxic to pets if ingested. 3 dogs have died from it here and the city has suggested people keep their dogs out of the lake until further notice. The stories from the pet owners have been pretty horrifying, their dogs went from young and healthy dogs and died within a couple of hours of being in the lake.

 

[ericstratton-rushchairman]

Rush Chairman?

I find the relative condition of local cougars directly impacted on possible special weekend pricing of boxed wine

 

[Eaglesmere]

They're probably starving. The snakes don't leave much for them to eat down there.

 

[Thomas1945]

They're probably starving. The snakes don't leave much for them to eat down there.

I knew it would happen. Wherever there is a problem brewing somebody always blames the snakes.

 

[ralphster]

My guess is a virus or prion disease. We shall see. Sad because there are very few Florida Panthers left, maybe <200.

 

[bison13]

its Narduzzi's coaching

 

[LionJim]

its Narduzzi's coaching

Ya think? I read earlier that this summer the Pitt squad as a whole has made great strides towards becoming proficient in walking and chewing gum at the same time.

 

[BobPSU92]

Ya think? I read earlier that this summer the Pitt squad as a whole has made great strides towards becoming proficient in walking and chewing gum at the same time.

We’re screwed.

 

[LionJim]

We’re screwed.

Fear not. They’re still a minimum of two months away from becoming proficient at running and chewing gum at the same time.

 

[BobPSU92]

Fear not. They’re still a minimum of two months away from becoming proficient at running and chewing gum at the same time.

But have you seen our guys?

 

[81b&w]

Ya think? I read earlier that this summer the Pitt squad as a whole has made great strides towards becoming proficient in walking and chewing gum at the same time.

C'mon Jim, Narduzzi said they're in the hunt for another National Championship this year

 

[Obliviax]

Vaccinations

 

[RU31trap]

My guess is a virus or prion disease. We shall see. Sad because there are very few Florida Panthers left, maybe <200.

If there’s less than 200 (100 mating pairs) inbreeding is probably happening and over time this will be a serious problem. However, I’m not sure this is what’s causing them to fall down.

 

[Waste Management Consultant]

Could be from ingesting certain types of algae from a lake or pond. This has been a problem in Austin this summer, there's a blue-green algae that is a toxic to pets if ingested. 3 dogs have died from it here and the city has suggested people keep their dogs out of the lake until further notice. The stories from the pet owners have been pretty horrifying, their dogs went from young and healthy dogs and died within a couple of hours of being in the lake.

I watched something a few years back on nat geo or animal planet about “zombie alligators” and the scientists traced it back to toxic algae. Seems like a similar thing with the panthers.

 

[ralphster]

Vaccinations

Great. Now we going to have anti-vaxxer panther parents, who home-school their cubs.

 

[ralphster]

If there’s less than 200 (100 mating pairs) inbreeding is probably happening and over time this will be a serious problem. However, I’m not sure this is what’s causing them to fall down.

I believe FL Fish and Wildlife has brought in some outside panthers in the past a few times, partly to combat this issue.

 

[LionJim]

C'mon Jim, Narduzzi said they're in the hunt for another National Championship this year

I’ve been trying for hours to come up with a snappy response to this one, to no avail. It’s just too absurd.

 

[LionJim]

Great. Now we going to have anti-vaxxer panther parents, who home-school their cubs.

My coffee just went everywhere and my dogs are staring at me in deep concern. Good one.

 

[Fac]

If there’s less than 200 (100 mating pairs) inbreeding is probably happening and over time this will be a serious problem. However, I’m not sure this is what’s causing them to fall down.

They said Florida not West Virginia.

 

[BobPSU92]

They said Florida not West Virginia.

 

[LionJim]

They said Florida not West Virginia.

Dude!

 

[katchthis]

Florida Fish & Game will be fitting them with the Life Alert badges, so they can signal I've fallen and can't get up !

 

[Eaglesmere]

I knew it would happen. Wherever there is a problem brewing somebody always blames the snakes.

The Everglades is basically void of rabbits, foxes, and other small animals. The pythons get them all.

 

[Carl Spackler]

I’ve been trying for hours to come up with a snappy response to this one, to no avail. It’s just too absurd.

Bwana Narduzzi, no see playoffs. Smoke signals say - see job change coming soon.

 

[NoVa Lion]

I believe FL Fish and Wildlife has brought in some outside panthers in the past a few times, partly to combat this issue.

The population of Florida Panthers is now over 200.. It was less than 30 back in the 1970s so the recovery has been slow but ongoing and until recently it looked like they would be a viable population. The current problem, whatever it is, plus competition from pythons has put that viability in jeopardy.

 

[RU31trap]

The Everglades is basically void of rabbits, foxes, and other small animals. The pythons get them all.

You’re 100% correct. Irresponsible pet owners released their Pythons in the Everglades which has devastated the entire ecosystem. It’s gotten so bad that the Florida fish and wildlife commission hires experienced teams of personnel to go into the Everglades, track and kill as many pythons as possible. No limits, 365 days per year and no permits necessary. Choice of weapon is a machete. I could be wrong but firearms are not allowed.

 

[paulrandythomas]

Have seen many Cougars in that condition locally here in Chicagoland.....most often later on Fri and Sat nights.

I’m throwing a flag here!

 

[ILLINOISLION]

I’m throwing a flag here!

HA - You should know by now I’m not smart enough to know how to link articles or post pictures!

 

[BobPSU92]

HA - You should know by now I’m not smart enough to know how to link articles or post pictures!

And you wonder why you aren’t Assistant to the Moderator.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

And you wonder why you aren’t Assistant to the Moderator.

Bob, I spend my days and nights wondering about what to wonder about!

 

[LionJim]

You’re 100% correct. Irresponsible pet owners released their Pythons in the Everglades which has devastated the entire ecosystem. It’s gotten so bad that the Florida fish and wildlife commission hires experienced teams of personnel to go into the Everglades, track and kill as many pythons as possible. No limits, 365 days per year and no permits necessary. Choice of weapon is a machete. I could be wrong but firearms are not allowed.

Google "Nile monitors in Florida." It's ridiculous what they have down there.

 

[AvalonJohn]

Have seen many Cougars in that condition locally here in Chicagoland.....most often later on Fri and Sat nights.

Road trip to Chicago ..... I'll let the wife know!