Twilight of the Panthers

It's been a rough year for Florida's official animal, as 15 percent of the state's remaining wild panthers have perished (largely due to being hit by cars). Now comes particularly grisly news out of Yeehaw Junction:

An anonymous caller reported seeing a dead Florida panther by the side of the Florida Turnpike near Yeehaw Junction. That's more than 150 miles north of where most panthers live.

When Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staffers checked out the tip Thursday...