Bobcat Burned in El Dorado Fire Returning to Wild!
The young bobcat who arrived at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center with severe burns from the El Dorado Fire in Yucaipa, California, is set to be released back into the wild. Today, a member of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CADFW) picked up the rehabilitated animal from the Ramona Wildlife Center and transported her back to a site outside of the burn area that has been predetermined by biologists to have rich food and water sources for the animal to continue to thrive.
The 7- to 9-month-old bobcat first arrived at the Ramona Wildlife Center on Oct. 13, 2020, after a call by CADFW. The warden reported a citizen from Yucaipa had been walking her dogs when the dogs spotted the cat. The dog owner was able to get between the animals to prevent any injuries and took the cat to a veterinary clinic in Grand Terrace. The cat was so growly that veterinary staff hesitated to open the carrier and instead contacted CADFW. Staff at San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife confirmed the animal was a bobcat.
Project Wildlife’s medical team went to work debriding and dressing all of her burns, some of which were infected and quite severe. Treatment included multiple bandage changes, strong antibiotics to fight the infection and pain medication to keep her comfortable. Luckily, the bobcat responded well to her care. In one month, she doubled in size to more than 9 pounds and after seven weeks she had made a full recovery!
“This is why we work so hard for every single patient who comes through our doors — so they can return to the wild and thrive in their natural habitat,” said Andy Blue, campus director at San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center. “This little fighter went from emaciated with severe burns to becoming a feisty predator who will be able to fend for herself in nature. We are thrilled!”
San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife is the primary resource for wild animal rehabilitation and conservation education in San Diego County. Each year, the program gives more than 12,000 injured, orphaned and sick wild animals a second chance at life at the state-of-the-art Pilar & Chuck Badhe Wildlife Center in San Diego. At the Ramona Wildlife Center, the program specializes in caring for apex predators and birds of prey, including hawks, owls, eagles, coyotes, bears, bobcats and mountain lions.
Published: December 1, 2020
