Volunteer Opportunities
Our work to protect Florida panthers and the wild places they depend on is only possible because of dedicated volunteers. Whether helping with habitat restoration, supporting community outreach, or assisting with educational programs, volunteers play a vital role in keeping panthers and other native wildlife safe. If you care about conservation, coexistence, and protecting Florida’s iconic wild cats, we’d love to have you join our team!
Every rescued animal, every restored acre of habitat, and every family we help learn to coexist with wildlife begins with someone who chose to get involved. Volunteers are the heartbeat of Friends of the Florida Panthers — from helping at events to supporting conservation programs that protect panthers and the animals they prey on. If you’re inspired by wildlife and want to be part of a meaningful mission, volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to help.
Join the Board
Are you interested in being even more involved in our work? Join the Board!
There are also Committee positions available:
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Membership
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Fundraising
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Education
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Legal/Compliance
E-mail us at contact@floridapanther.org
Coexist
Keep panther prey away - By feeding deer and other wildlife, people inadvertently may attract panthers. Do not leave potential wildlife food outside, such as unsecured garbage or pet food. Fence in vegetable gardens, and bring in bird feeders at night.
Keep pets safe - Free-roaming pets or tethered and unfenced pets are easy prey for panthers. Bring pets inside or keep them in a secure and covered kennel at night. Do not leave pet food outside.
Keep domestic livestock secure - Place chickens, goats, sheep, hogs, and other livestock in secure enclosed structures at night. Our friend Frack (pictured) is much safer a night in his new enclosure.
If you are interested in purchasing an enclosure for your beloved animals, our partners at Defenders of Wildlife can help with construction, trained volunteers, and even financial assistance for eligible participants.
See www.defenders.org/panther-resistant-enclosure for details and an application!
Drive 45
The leading human cause of death for Florida panthers is collisions with vehicles. Already in 2024, 7 panthers were by vehicles and died, and 23 in 2023.
Panther activity is greatest between dusk and dawn when visibility is lowest.
We urge you to drive the posted nighttime speed limit of 45 mph in panther crossing zones. These are areas where fencing isn't available to help keep panthers off the roads. Driving the posted speed limit is good for panthers, and you. The average speeding ticket in nighttime panther zones is $200!
Learn more and take the pledge to Drive 45 at www.panthercrossing.org
Social Media
Want to be the first to know about upcoming events? Interested in keeping up with our current projects? Maybe you are just interested in some awesome pictures of the Refuges and the wildlife?
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest information, heartwarming stories, and great photos from the refuges!
