Into The Lion’s Den!

When we arrived in the parking area, which was small and primitive, I noted that we were the only people there. I wasn’t complaining. I like having the trail to ourselves. All the better for an opportunity to see some wildlife. We were faced with a 10 ft fence, topped with barbed wire. Gates were locked with heavy chains and padlocks. Signs were fixed to the fence, making it clear that you were not to drive your vehicle any farther, if for some reason you thought to storm the gate! There were two walking opportunities. The one to our left was only .3 miles, called the “Memorial Trail”. I hope that wasn’t meant to be prophetic. The other was 1.3 miles, called the “Panther Trail”. Naturally we chose the Panther Trail. There was a door that served as a gate in the fence that opened to the trail. The door was on a hinge, so that it would close behind you, if you were careless enough to leave it open. As we walked through to the other side, I felt as though I had just entered the T-Rex paddock in Jurassic Park! Suddenly, this didn’t seem like the great idea it was last week. I am always bravest in my living room! 

I thought it would be fun to visit the National Florida Panther Wildlife Refuge that isn’t far from where we live. We’ve driven by the sign many times on our way across Alligator Alley. Time to check it out.  What’s the first thing you do when going to a new place? Review the website. That’s what I did, so I knew beforehand there was limited access to the area, only open from dawn to dusk, that it was unlikely that we would see a panther on our visit, but just in case, keep small children close at hand. There was a short list of what to do in case of an actual panther encounter and that was about it.

The Florida Panther is believed to be one of the most endangered mammals in the U.S., with an approximate population of 120-160 cats. Once roaming the southeast, they now only live in south Florida. The Panther Preserve provides 26, 400 acres of safe refuge and protected habitat for them. The preserve is securely fenced, but I don’t know if all of it is, or only part. I don’t know if the fence is to keep the panthers in, or the people out, or both. Panthers clearly live beyond the confines of this refuge, recognized by road signs throughout Collier County warning, “Panther Crossing”, and the headlines that all too often report that another panther had a deadly encounter with a car. I would love to see a panther in the wild and was ready to explore a very small portion of panther territory, or so I thought!

I don’t know what I was expecting, but this wasn’t quite it. Most walks we have been on in south Florida are on raised boardwalks, primarily because they span water and dense foliage. Those boardwalks offer a false sense of security. A barrier to all things wild, when it really isn’t, but you come to feel that way. The Memorial Trail afforded wheelchair accessibility, and though I’m not sure it was actually paved, it certainly was wider than what I currently faced on the Panther Trail. Shortly beyond the gate the trail narrowed to single-track, with the swamp encroaching to within arm’s reach on both sides. It was dense and dark. I found that my eyes were darting from one side to the other and even toward the treetops, because though I was told that it would be rare for me to see a panther, I wasn’t so convinced that it would be rare for a panther to see me! I longed for a little more elbow room, and suggested to Kim that perhaps we should keep talking. You know, make our presence known. He said I should feel free to sing. I laughed, while my brain searched for an appropriate tune. 

We may have walked 20, possibly 30 yards when I asked Kim to stop so I could take a picture. He did and was suddenly swarmed by mosquitos! Three were lined up on his leg for a quick snack, and two just landed on my arm. We didn’t even think about bug spray this time of year! It may be the dry season, but this is the Everglades! We were being devoured, and at this rate in a mile the only evidence left of us would be our clothes. We retreated at a fast clip to our car! “Go, go, go! Drive!”, the windows down to chase out those winged vampires brazen enough to follow us into our safe haven! We vowed to come back wearing long sleeves and long pants, doused in the pungent smell of DEET, and having swallowed a big helping of bravery as we once again enter the lion’s den !