Man pleads guilty to killing Fla. panther

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- A 45-year-old Naples man has pled guilty in federal court to shooting and killing a Florida panther, which is a violation of the Endangered Species Act.

According to federal prosecutors, Todd Alan Benfield knowingly killed the feline in 2008 with a bow and arrow. He later on moved the panther's body in an attempt to conceal the killing.

Benfield pled guilty Friday.

He faces a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison, a fine of up to $100,000, and forfeiture of weapons and other equipment used to kill the animal.

Florida wildlife experts say only about 100 panthers remain in the wild.

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