Florida panthers were severely inbred after isolation in south Florida, requiring genetic rescue through introduction of Texas pumas that restored population health.
Florida panthers before genetic rescue suffered severe health problems from inbreeding including heart defects, undescended testes, and poor immune function. Animals with heart defects face chronic cardiovascular stress limiting activity and lifespan. Panthers killed in road collisions die from acute trauma. Animals that survive vehicle strikes may have broken limbs or spinal injuries requiring intensive veterinary care or euthanasia. Expanding population into northern Florida increases human conflict risk from livestock predation and associated persecution.