Backup Documents 03/24/2009 Item # 4B
PROCLAMA TION
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WHEREAS, the Florida Panther is the Official State Animal of the great State of Florida: and,
WHEREAS, the Florida Panther is a magnificent subspecies and a symbol of the natural character of
the Everglades Ecosystem of South Florida: and,
WHEREAS, the Florida panthers decline occurred prior to 1950, when it was stilllegol to hunt them.
Panthers were listed as endangered in 1967 and are protected under state and federal
laws, and as of 2006, biologists estimate roughly 80 - 100 Florida panthers remain in the
wild: and,
WHEREAS, it is the will of the people of Collier County and therefore a mission of their government
to rescue the Florida Panther from the threat of extinction: and,
WHEREAS, because Collier County is the stronghold for the long-term survival of the Florida
Panther, it is vital that the Natural Resource managers, non-profit groups, citizens, and
businesses in the County need to gather to celebrate this species for the South Florida
Ecosystem: and,
WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature has established the third Saturday in March as ':save the Florida
Panther Day';' and,
WHEREAS, educating the residents of Collier County will help us co-exist safely in a panther habitat.
By being alert from dusk 'til dawn and whenever deer or other panther prey (deer,
raccoons, rabbits, etr:.) are active, keeping domestic livestock secure, landscaping far
safety, and considering other deterrents such as outdoor lightIng and hiking or biking with
a friend, we can accomplish that goal: and,
WHEREAS, there has never been a /cnown attack of a human by a Florido Panther: the cat moves
primarily at night, so keep your children within sight and close to you: give the panther a
way to escape if you cross paths: do not run as it may stimulate the panthers instinct to
chase: allr1id cf'r1UChing or bending over as it makes you look smaller: try to appear larger
by waving your arms, opening your jacket and throwing stones or branches without turning
your back, and fight back if you are attacked: and,
WHEREAS, it is proper and fitting for all Floridians to pause and reflect on the plight of the Florida
Panther and the task of preserving the sleek, lean, carnivorous, and beautiful Florida
panther species to enrich the legacy of generations yet to come.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida,
that March 14, 2009 through March 21, 2009 be designated as
PANTHER AWARENESS WEEK
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 24TH Day of March, 2009.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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