ESTERO: A Florida panther was killed Thursday morning in rural area of eastern Lee County. Florida Fish and Wildlife officials say the 136 pound male panther was hit by a truck near the intersection of Corkscrew Road and Alico Road, east of Interstate 75.

The accident happened around 6 a.m. just a half a mile from a wildlife crossing.

Florida panthers are listed as an endangered species. Officials estimate there are only about 100 left. Most live in South Florida.

Biologists have put microchips in many of the animals to keep track of their movements.

State and federal officials are trying to protect the panthers. In the early 1990's, they designated 600,000 acres of privately owned land in Lee, Collier and Hendry counties as prime habitat for the panther, but that area has seen a drastic rise in development.

Many experts say that is now forcing the species into more populated areas as they search for food. In fact there is a new development just two miles from this morning's accident. Experts say that may have played a role.

"Panthers require a huge amount of space to live in. Obviously space is at a premium here in Southwest Florida, so with every new development that goes in - we're taking away an opportunity to have panther living there," said Darrell Land, Florida Fish and Wildlife.

Twelve panthers have been killed so far this year, but there is good news for this disappearing species - 19 new kittens have been born.

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