FWC collars heaviest Florida panther ever recorded: See the photos

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute recently made an exciting discovery!

What we know:

The heaviest Florida panther ever recorded, weighing an impressive 166 pounds, was recently captured and fitted with a tracking collar by biologists from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). 

Typically, male panthers can weigh up to 160 pounds, with females weighing as much as 100 pounds, officials said.

What we don't know:

FOX 35 News is working to learn when and where the panther was found.

Florida panther research program

Dig deeper:

According to the FWC, collaring the panther is part of a long-term research program that allows wildlife officials to monitor panther movements, health and population dynamics. The project supplies crucial information to support conservation initiatives for the endangered Florida panther.

FWC biologists recently captured and tagged the heaviest Florida panther ever recorded, a male weighing 166 pounds! (Credit: FWC)

What they're saying:

"When collaring a panther, biologists conduct a comprehensive health assessment that includes blood tests and collecting tissue samples for genetic analysis," the FWC said in a social media post. "The GPS collars deployed on panthers allow researchers to track movement patterns, survival, reproduction and habitat use, all of which help inform science-based management strategies that are critical to the recovery of this population."

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What you can do:

You can support the FWC's panther research by purchasing a Protect the Panther license plate. All proceeds will go directly toward funding these vital projects.

To report a panther sighting or to learn more about the program, click here.