Success: Fence Built to Protect Endangered Panthers

Target: Jim Boxold, Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation

Goal: Thank Florida Transportation Department for building fence that will better ensure panthers will remain safe while walking near traffic.

Florida panthers will soon be protected from being run over by cars thanks to animal rights activists who convinced government officials to build a 10-foot high fence along Alligator Alley–a road that runs along the Florida Everglades. We need to thank the transportation department for making this responsible decision so they will continue to do whatever necessary to protect Florida wildlife.

The fence will cover at least 9 miles and will be along the portion of the road where the animals get hit by cars the most. In the two areas where panthers are forced to walk underneath bridges, riprack or large amounts of rocks piled up will be placed along the edges to better ensure the panthers will be able to safely walk through to the other side.

Fourteen panthers have been run over in the area since 2004. In fact, more panthers in the region have died from being hit by cars than they have by any other means.

Sign this petition to thank the Florida Transportation Department and activists such as those at the ForceChange community for doing whatever possible to ensure this fence is built. With fewer Florida panthers being run over by cars, these animals may finally have a fighting chance.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Secretary Boxold,

It has come to my attention that the transportation department is planning to build a 10-foot high fence along Alligator Alley that will serve to better protect Florida panthers and other wildlife. Thank you so much for making this decision, as it is important to do whatever possible to help save this endangered species.

It is extremely sad that several of these beautiful animals have been run over within the last few years. However, building a fence that covers at least 9 miles worth of area where these incidences have occurred will hopefully help to ensure the panthers are better protected in the future.

I am also excited to learn that rocks will be piled high along the sides underneath the two bridges that the panthers have to walk through in order to get back to their natural habitat. Taking this extra measure is a great idea and will likely help to make it so the results of the project are successful.

Thank you again for building this fence to help save the lives of many animals and especially Florida panthers. Doing so will hopefully be a huge step in helping these majestic creatures to bounce back from extinction.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Moe Epsilon