Four orphaned bobkittens rescued in California now preparing for wild release

Saratoga, California: Four baby bobcats orphaned miles apart across California are now recovering together at the Saratoga Wildlife Care Center, where staff say they have a fighting chance at survival and eventual release back into the wild.

The bobkittens were rescued within days of each other. Two were found in Kern County after their mother died from a fall. Another was discovered in Carmel, and the fourth in Concord. It’s believed they came from as many as three different mothers who either died, lost, or abandoned their young.

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA responded to the calls and brought all four to Saratoga Center. There, the kittens were treated for parasites and placed on a natural meat diet in specialized recovery facilities.

“They have a large enclosure where they’re conditioning, they’re building muscle, they’re learning how to pounce on things,” said a center representative, Kinney. “They’re very curious. We give them enrichment to keep their little bobcat brains going strong.”

Staff are carefully limiting human contact to ensure the bobcats remain wary of people and fit for release. As of now, the animals are still leery of humans, as wildlife experts want. The plan is to introduce the kittens, now growing into semi-adults, back into the wild in October.

Kinney also urged the public not to immediately pick up a mewling bobkitten found alone.
“Call your nearest wildlife rescue outfit,” she said. Rescuers will typically ask if the mother has been seen and how long the kitten has been there before deciding on intervention.

With proper care, the four bobkittens rescued from three different corners of the state may soon return to California’s wildlands and contribute to the next generation of bobcats.