Day Beds, Natal Dens, and Activity of Florida Panthers

Day rest sites and natal dens of Florida panthers (Felis concolor coryi) studied from January 1986 to August 1989 were dominated by dense vegetation, especially saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). Activity peaked around sunrise and sunset for both denning females and solitary panthers; however, solitary panthers exhibited greater extremes in activity and inactivity. Females were most likely to be at the den during daylight and spent about 50% of the denning period at the den. Day beds and den sites are important habitat features and should be considerations in panther management.