Florida Cat's Revival Raises Concerns in Suburbia

The effort to restore the Florida panther population has already come under fire because some researchers say there are few meaningful distinctions between the Florida cats and cougars, which are relatively plentiful elsewhere in the United States.

"People say, 'Why are you bothering?' " Land said. "But these are the last ones east of the Mississippi."

Concerned that fears could doom efforts to rebuild the population, wildlife officials have set out to maintain the peace between people and panthers.

Officials have urged residents to report disappearances of pets and other animals, so they can determine from the "crime scene" whether a panther is involved.

"As soon as Fluffy goes missing, call us immediately," said Dani Moschella, spokeswoman for the wildlife agency.

Pet owners in the affected areas are encouraged to keep pets inside or in an enclosure that has a roof. Residents who encounter a panther should not run, but should make themselves appear larger by opening their jackets or raising their arms. Officials also advise homeowners to remove hedges and other plants that could allow panthers to hide while stalking backyard prey.

"Panthers are ambush predators -- they'll try to sneak up behind you," Land said. "If they don't have that secure stalking cover, that will be of help."

Even so, as Floridians and their favored feline become more numerous, most observers predict more meetings of people and panthers.

"Our panther restoration program has been extremely successful," Coletta said. "But the surplus animals need a place to live. So they're being forced into the urban areas."