96-25475. Emergency Exemption Issuance

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 194 (Friday, October 4, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 52053]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-25475]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service


Emergency Exemption Issuance

    The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission has been 
authorized, via permit number PRT-819908, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service's Southeast Region to capture, retain for veterinary treatment, 
and release a specific Florida panther, Felis concolor coryi. The 30-
day public comment period required by the Endangered Species Act was 
waived in accordance with Section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act 
of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The Fish and Wildlife 
Service determined that an emergency affecting the life and health of 
the subject Florida panther existed and no reasonable alternative other 
than treating it in captivity was available to the applicant. The 
subject Florida panther suffers from a fungal infection that requires 
veterinary treatment in captivity for an extended period of time. 
Treatment is expected to last up to 6 months and the Florida panther 
will be returned to its home territory. This specific Florida panther 
is a successful breeder and is important for recovery of the species.

    Dated: September 26, 1996.
Judy L. Jones,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 96-25475 Filed 10-3-96; 8:45 am]
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