A Path of the Panther camera trap captured this photo at Babcock Ranch State Preserve, showing "Babs," a female panther, now a mother, standing next to one of her kittens. For photographer Carlton Ward Jr., this moment represents the last best hope for a new generation of panthers to be born north of the Caloosahatchee River and to one day reclaim their historic range. This is from Path of the Panther.
"Tres," a male Florida panther nicknamed for his three broken legs, is released back into the wild after many months of rehabilitation. Now, the challenges of life in the wild begin. This is from Path of the Panther.
A male Florida panther leaps over Carlton Ward Jr.'s 'logjump' camera trap site as he patrols territory in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. The cowlick on his back is a vestige from recent history when the panther population was fewer than 20 animals and suffering from inbreeding. A vision of strength and power, this panther reflects the success of conservation measures designed to bring the species back from near extinction within their core range where panthers have survived for thousands of years. This is from Path of the Panther.
A mature male panther triggers a camera in early morning light at Babcock Ranch State Preserve. Distinguished by his square head and J-shaped tail, he was the only male documented by this camera in the territory where the first female had been seen. This is from Path of the Panther.