When discussing biological wildlife rather than the sports franchise, the endangered Florida panther population remains an iconic symbol of the American Southeast, though true genetic purity has been heavily altered over time. Conservation efforts decades ago required introducing Texas cougars to combat severe inbreeding depression and genetic defects within the native population. While modern wild panthers roaming the Everglades carry mixed lineage, they are fiercely protected by state and federal wildlife conservation programs to ensure the survival of the species in its natural habitat.