Panthers killing livestock

Maybe it's not chupacabras, after all.

      The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has issued a bulletin about panthers killing goats and pigs on the edges of the Everglades.

    There's no word that they are invading Weston at this point, unlike the 2009 sightings of a black bear in the area.

     There's no mention of the chupacabra, the legendary goat-sucking beast that was once alleged to be active in the Homestead area, south of Miami.

     Officially, the FWC says panthers have committed six "depredations," which is official speak for a predatory attack in the Golden Gate Estates area. That area is near the western end of Alligator Alley (Interstate 75).

"In the past week alone, panthers have killed several goats and a pig," the FWC said.

     Other depredation reports have come from the Immokalee area, west of Lake Okeechobee.

     Raising goats and pigs is somewhat of a cottage industry in South Florida, where goats in particular are popular for holiday feasts in Latin cultures.

Mark Lotz, a biologist on the FWC’s panther team, said: "Livestock, such as chickens, goats and hogs, should be secured in enclosed structures at night. Electric fencing also can be an effective predator deterrent. Cats and small dogs should be kept indoors, particularly at night."

     The Defenders of the Wildlife website says male panthers can average 130 pounds, while females are closer to 70 pounds. They primarily eat white-tailed deer, but are opportunistic hunters.

     Only about 100 panthers are estimated to exist, so spotting one is rare.

If you do encounter one, though, the FWC has some tips:

Do whatever you can to appear larger – a great excuse to hit holiday parties, in my book.Like a good job candidate, one should stand up tall and face the panther while making good eye contact.Don't run away or turn away from the panther.If you are attacked, don't play dead – be sure to fight back.