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VIDEO: Unexpected Florida panther encounter

Posted at 9:28 PM, Mar 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-31 04:18:20-04

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