SAN ANTONIO — Two bobcat kittens are now orphans after a local family took them in, thinking they were ordinary cats.
- Two bobcat kittens taken in by family
- Under quarantine at Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
- Because of handling, may never be able to return to wild
- If you find orphaned or injured wildlife call 830-336-2725
San Antonio Animal Services posted a series of photos of the bobcat kittens reminding residents not to disturb wildlife. Three people were bit on their hands, but they were not hospitalized.
The kittens are now under the care of Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation and are under quarantine.
WRR says keeping wild animals as pets is difficult or impossible. The babies grow up to be much larger, stronger and dangerous animals than someone can manage. They can bite, scratch and carry diseases that can harm humans.
Mostly importantly, catching or keeping wild animals in captivity may threaten their chance of survival. If someone finds hurt or injured animals, he or she should let a professional handle them instead of trying to do it alone.
"Call us first before you try to handle or remove them," Kelly MccCoy, director with WRR said. "Often times mom is still around and she's definitely better at raising them, so we prefer they stay with mom."
FULL STATEMENT FROM WRR:
People throughout Texas and the nation have been talking about a pair of bobcat kittens that were recently found in San Antonio; reportedly orphaned and hungry in a backyard alleyway. The bobcats were picked up by Animal Care Services after a resident reported she had mistaken the kittens for house cats and three people had been bitten while feeding them. Late today, new information has indicated the young cats were actually found in Atascosa County by a relative of the bite victim before they were apparently brought into the local home. Those individuals still maintain they believed the cats were Bengal kittens, a rare domestic breed.
"The young bobcats remain in quarantine with ACS partners, Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation. WRR Founder and President Lynn Cuny says she hopes the viral nature of the story draws attention to the need for heightened wildlife protection. “The real story of these bobcat kittens is one of tragedy, not one of “cute babies”. These two infant’s lives were altered the moment they were stolen from their mother,” says Cuny. “Not only will they never know her loving care but these bobcats now have to be raised by humans, their number one predator. Though we trust they will do well, the fact is that no wild animal baby should ever have to make such a traumatic adjustment and suffer the trauma of being orphaned.”
ACS Field Enforcement Division is working with Texas State Parks and Wildlife to investigate the new information and determine if the allegations meet the legal standards to file charges. Assistant Director Shannon Sims says the case is escalating. “After conducting the initial investigation, these additional details make this a much more severe issue from a rabies control standpoint, from a jurisdictional standpoint and from a legal standpoint.” Sims says “With the increased implications and the fact that this falls under the jurisdiction of our Texas Game Wardens, we will continue to work with them to investigate the potential criminality of the animal’s capture and relocation.
Anyone who finds an injured animal should call WRR’s 24-hour emergency hotline at 830-336-2725. If you have come across an animal that you think may need help, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for more information.
Additional tips about what to do if you come in contact with wild animals: