Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge

Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in southwestern Florida established to conserve habitat for the endangered Florida panther and other native wildlife. The refuge comprises a mix of pine flatwoods, wet prairies and forested wetlands that form part of the panther’s remaining range.

Public facilities are limited and the site is managed primarily for wildlife protection rather than intensive recreation; a small number of trails and observation points provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature study. Roads and seasonal conditions can restrict access, and visitors should expect minimal infrastructure.

The refuge was created to secure critical habitat for panthers and to maintain connected natural areas in a landscape with heavy development pressure. Management emphasizes habitat restoration, species protection and minimizing disturbance to wildlife.

The refuge is located in southwest Florida, inland from the Gulf Coast in a largely rural landscape of wetlands and woodlands; it lies within the broader range of the Florida panther population.

• Conservation priority: The refuge is managed primarily to conserve habitat for the endangered Florida panther and other native species, with limited public access to reduce disturbance.
• Visitor access: Public use is focused on low-impact activities such as wildlife viewing and nature study along a small number of designated routes.