For more than a century, the Florida Panther and the Eastern Cougar have been pushed to the edges of the landscapes they once called home. Today, a small, dedicated nonprofit is working to change that story — and they need your help to keep going.

The American Cougar Panther Restoration Project (ACPRP), a registered 501(c) nonprofit, is working to restore healthy populations of Florida Panthers and Cougars to their native range across the Southeast, Midwest, Eastern, and Northeastern United States. This isn’t just a conservation dream — it’s a science-backed strategy for healthier forests, healthier wildlife, and safer roads.

Why This Work Matters

Panthers and cougars aren’t just iconic animals — they’re a missing piece of a functioning ecosystem. Restoring them to their historic range can help in several concrete ways:

• Healthier deer herds. As apex predators, panthers and cougars naturally remove sick and diseased animals from deer populations, which research links to slowing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) — a growing concern for wildlife agencies across many states.
• Controlling invasive feral pigs. Feral hogs cause widespread damage to crops, native plants, and natural habitats throughout the U.S. Large predators are a natural check on their numbers.
• Fewer vehicle collisions. Documented research suggests that predator presence can reduce deer densities near roadways, which in turn may reduce dangerous vehicle-deer collisions.
• A more balanced ecosystem. Top predators help maintain the natural checks and balances that keep entire landscapes — plants, prey species, and other wildlife — in equilibrium.

Why Donations Matter Right Now

Restoring a large predator species across multiple states is a long-term undertaking. It takes public education, advocacy, and sustained pressure on the agencies and policies that shape wildlife management — including engagement with organizations like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and state wildlife commissions. None of that happens without support.

Every donation to ACPRP — no matter the size — helps fund:

• Advocacy and outreach to policymakers and wildlife agencies
• Public education about the ecological role of panthers and cougars
• Research and awareness efforts tied to issues like Chronic Wasting Disease
• The day-to-day work of keeping this restoration effort moving forward

How You Can Help

You don’t need to be a wildlife biologist to make a difference. Here’s how to get involved:

1. Donate. Financial contributions directly fund ACPRP’s advocacy and education work. As a 501(c) organization, ACPRP relies on public support to sustain its mission.
2. Spread the word. Share ACPRP’s mission with friends, family, and your community. Public awareness is one of the most powerful tools in conservation.
3. Stay informed. Follow the science on predator restoration, Chronic Wasting Disease, and ecosystem management so you can be an informed advocate.
4. Reach out. Have questions, ideas, or want to explore other ways to get involved? ACPRP wants to hear from you.

Get In Touch

To donate or learn more about supporting the American Cougar Panther Restoration Project, reach out directly:

📞 Phone: 352-207-1709 📧 Email: acprp@mindspring.com

Your support helps bring a vital native predator back to landscapes across the Southeast, Midwest, and Eastern United States — for the sake of the panthers, the cougars, and the ecosystems that depend on them.

American Cougar Panther Restoration Project — a 501(c) nonprofit organization.