The panthers which survived this persecution were probably those which showed the greatest fear of man and the greatest reluctance to appear in open areas.  Then, when deer were nearly eradicated in the 1930's to control the fever tick, panthers strayed from the relative safety of their normal hunts in search of prey.  This resulted in more hunting pressure by ranchers and almost led to the final doom of the animal.  

Partial protection was given to the now rare panther in 1950.  At this time, panthers could still be hunted only during open season for deer, and animals that were found destroying livestock could be taken by special permit at any time.  In 1958, the panther was removed from the native game animal list and given complete legal protection.  

Since then, even with panthers legally protected from deliberate killing, human commercial developments and long-term economic projects have continually encroached upon the diminishing critical panther habitat.  At the present time, it is not known whether or where a viable or reproducing population of panthers still occur in Florida.  A few indisputable records of the species exist, but they are mostly of dead animals and altogether do not reveal a particular population that might be in any way feasible to manage.  

If the panther is to be saved from extinction, the first step is to find a viable population.  If you see a panther or its sign, you should do your best to collect some tangible evidence of the animal's presence.  

Although there is a great deal of variation in color, the Florida panther is usually a uniform rusty or tawny cinnamon-buff color (deer colored) on the back and whitish underneath.  The tip of the tail, back of the ears, and sides of the nose are dark brown or blackish.