A resident from Minnesota heard a faint kitten cry while passing through a car lot early this week. Curious and concerned, he searched the area and eventually found a tiny kitten huddled up next to a tire under a parked car. The sight tugged at his heart, and knowing the dangers of leaving her in such a busy location, he gently scooped her up and brought her home. At that moment, he thought he was simply rescuing a stray kitten — unaware that this little one was far from an ordinary house cat.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota
Later that day, he began to notice features that didn’t quite match those of a domestic breed. His curiosity turned to suspicion, prompting him to contact local wildlife experts. Thankfully, he reached the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota, who immediately took the kitten into their care. According to Tami Vogel, Communications Director of the center, the rescue was particularly special — this was their first bobcat kitten of the summer season.
The mother bobcat was nowhere in sight when the kitten was discovered. Tami explained that, based on similar cases, a predator may have passed by, causing the bobcat family to scatter. Sadly, while the mother and other littermates regrouped, this little one must have gotten separated and left behind without the mother realizing.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota
Typically, wildlife rescuers recommend that anyone who finds an apparently orphaned but uninjured wild animal should return it to where it was found in hopes that the mother will come back. Feeding or handling the animal is discouraged, as this can harm its chances of survival. If the animal is still alone after 24 hours, the finder should then contact a licensed rehabilitator.
However, in this case, the kitten’s location was unsafe, and she had already been alone overnight. “It prompted our decision to admit the bobcat rather than leaving it out for another night,” Tami said. Minnesota law also requires that finders have only 24 hours to bring an orphaned wild animal to a licensed rehabber, making the rescue both timely and necessary.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota
The young bobcat was found to be in good health, though slightly dehydrated. Over the next few days, she will be stabilized and cared for by the center before being transferred to another specialized rehabber who works exclusively with bobcats. The ultimate goal is to release her back into the wild where she belongs, giving her a second chance at the life she was meant to live.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota
“Any orphaned wild animal should go to a licensed rehabber as soon as possible,” Tami emphasized. “Here in Minnesota, finders legally have only 24 hours to get it to one.” With proper care, this little bobcat will soon be ready to roam free again, a success story born from a chance encounter and a compassionate choice to help.
Share this heartwarming story with your friends. If you wish to support their ongoing rescue efforts, visit the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota’s website to learn how you can help.
