Injured Bobcat Released Into the Wild

A bobcat recently returned to the wild in Mission Trails Regional Park. The adult male had likely been hit by a car, but luckily a good Samaritan contacted San Diego Humane Society. The organization’s Project Wildlife program cares for nearly 13,000 wild animals in our region, giving a second chance to animals often injured or orphaned because of the way humans have encroached on their natural habitat. 

After humane officers received the call about the injured cat near Mission Trails, they transported him to the Veterinary Emergency Group in Encinitas for overnight support. The next day, Project Wildlife’s veterinary team in San Diego performed radiographs, treated abrasions and minor contusions, and gave the suffering animal pain medication.

Once stabilized, the bobcat moved to the organization’s Ramona Wildlife Center, where Project Wildlife’s staff specialize in caring for native apex predators such as bobcats, coyotes, and bears. Medical care continued with the extraction of a broken tooth, and the bobcat was given a habitat where he could heal. When wildlife care specialists could ensure the bobcat was able to feed on his own, he was ready to go home. 

“Seeing this bobcat return to the wild is what it’s all about for us,” said Andy Blue, campus director of San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center. “Bobcats play an important ecological role in our region, and we are glad to see this one back where he belongs. I am grateful to the citizen who found the bobcat, our Humane Officers, Veterinary Emergency Group, and our staff for collaborating to save his life.”

The bobcat spent three weeks in care before being released not far from where he was initially found. After the door to his crate opened, the bobcat stepped out, paused to look back toward the people watching his release (perhaps a moment of thanks), and then darted into the brush.

To learn more about San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife program and to support their work, visit sdhumane.org.