Panther Depredation Reimbursement Program

The Bergeron Everglades Foundation is proud to collaborate with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) as part of a reimbursement program for Florida panther depredations. We are proud supporters of both the Florida panther, and the hard-working ranchers who bring food to our tables, and it is important to us that both can coexist. If you have experienced a Panther depredation event on your livestock, please read about the steps of our reimbursement program.

1. Please report your suspected depredation to FWC or FWS at 888-404-3922 or #FWC or *FWC on a cell phone.
2. After you call FWC, a representative from FWC and/or FWS will investigate the report in accordance with the Interagency Florida Panther Response Plan protocols.  The investigator will complete the “Florida Panther Response Plan Investigation Report”.
3. The investigator will provide a copy of the Investigation Report to you. Please note that you must submit a copy (by mail or email) of the Investigation Report to the Alligator Ron Bergeron Everglades Foundation, Inc. within 30 calendar days of the date the Investigation Report was emailed to you by FWC/FWS. Submit applications for compensation to:

Alligator Ron Bergeron Everglades Foundation, Inc

Subject: Commercial Livestock Panther Depredation Compensation Program

19612 SW 69 Place,

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33332,

or

Email: info@Bergeronevergladesfoundation.org

4. Commercial livestock owner submits a copy (hard copy or email) of the Investigation Report to the Alligator Ron Bergeron Everglades Foundation, Inc within 30 calendar days from the date the Investigation Report was emailed to the commercial livestock owner by FWC or FWS.

5. In the submission for compensation, the commercial livestock owner must affirm that they have not been compensated in part or whole by another organization for the same depredation event and will not seek additional compensation for the same loss nor or in the future.

6. Compensation rates for panther-depredated calves will be based on the current year Livestock Indemnity Program Payment Rate Per Head (up to 100%) for the estimated weight range of weaned calves sold at livestock auction markets in Florida (i.e., 400–799 lb).