(CNN) — Seeing a panther in the wild is one of the most-coveted experiences an adventurer in South Florida can pursue. Ultimately, it led him to being in the right place at the right time in the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park on January 13. Ezra Van had a rare encounter with Florida panthers in January at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. Despite being Florida's largest state park, Fakahatchee is one of the least-visited in South Florida today. Known as the "Amazon of North America" and the "Orchid Capital of North America," Fakahatchee could very well be South Florida's best-kept outdoor secret, full of complicated history; diverse, exotic species; educational programming; hikes, and, of course, high-profile incidents.

Source: CNN July 05, 2021 15:22 UTC