$5,000 Reward for Arrest of Panther Killer

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever shot and killed a Florida panther in Vero Beach.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the reward Monday.

Remains of the dead panther were found along a Seminole County road last month. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is already working with prosecutors to file charges for the illegal possession of a Florida panther, but no information about the suspects has been released. The federal agency is still investigating who killed the animal.

Florida panthers are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Scientists believe there are only about 100 left in Florida.

Anyone with information should call 1-888-404-3922.