COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. -- Visitors to the Corkscrew Swamp and Preserve outside of Naples usually visit for a peaceful walk down the boardwalk. But one recent visitor got more than she expected.
Tina Dorschel posted a video to Facebook Tuesday night that is now quickly going viral (video contains cursing).
On on early morning nature walk we saw a gator, a snake, frogs, pretty birds, and had this unexpected encounter. (Warning...curse word at end!)
Posted by Tina Dorschel on Tuesday, March 29, 2016
It starts with a serene scene where the boardwalk stretches through the beautiful cypress swamp. That's when a Florida panther appears. Tina gasps as the big cat trots up the boardwalk and quickly sprints past her.
Tina can only let out a quick curse in relief.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says only about 180 Florida panthers are left in the wild. Just last week, a panther was found dead after being hit by a car in Collier County.
It marks the eleventh panther to be found dead so far this year, and the ninth after being hit by a vehicle.
Also this week, a panther was spotted hanging out on the front porch of a home in East Fort Myers.
PANTHER ON A PORCH!What would you do if you saw this big cat just hanging out on your front porch?Find out where it happened: http://bit.ly/1pKnmKW
Posted by WPTV on Wednesday, March 30, 2016
