The trail of the panther

Big Cypress Preserve is a 2,400 square mile wilderness in southwest Florida. People often refer to this area as a swamp, but that is a misnomer. In reality, this area has everything from pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks to cypress domes and marshes.

The mixed habitat makes this an ideal stomping ground for Felis concolor coryi, more commonly known as the Florida panther. These secretive animals are seldom seen by humans, but if you are lucky enough to have one cross your path, this is where it will happen.

The Florida Trail runs through the main section of the preserve. Its possible to walk, or more like slog, from Tamiami Trail in the south to Alligator Alley in the the north, a distance of approximately 38 miles. The trail is rough, underwater in some parts, and seldom ventured by hikers.

But we have had a mild winter, with little rain, and I'm hoping the path will be dry enough to make it halfway across by tomorrow at sundown. Then, that is when the fun will begin.

We'll set up camp under some oak trees then take off on a night hike in search of bobcats, bears, wild hogs, snakes, gators and all those other cool things that make Florida, Florida. The chances of seeing a panther are slim, but not non-existent.

The only way you will know is to go.