Bobcat Burned In Camp Pendleton Fire Released Back Into Wild

RAMONA, CA — A bobcat severely burned in a wildfire at Camp Pendleton was released back into the wild after more than two months of rehabilitation, the San Diego Humane Society announced.

The adult male bobcat was released Sept. 30 near where he was found after spending 65 days receiving treatment through the Humane Society's Project Wildlife program at the Ramona Wildlife Center.

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The bobcat was admitted July 28 with first- to third-degree burns on all four paw pads, kidney damage, severe emaciation and a heavy tick infestation. The injuries were linked to the Pipeline Fire, which broke out July 6 on the military base.

The animal weighed about 7.5 pounds shortly after arriving at the wildlife center and initially faced an uncertain prognosis.

Veterinary staff treated the bobcat with fluids, nutrition, pain medication and wound care, including light therapy to help heal its burned paw pads. As the animal recovered, it was moved to an indoor-outdoor enclosure where staff monitored its mobility, gait and weight while limiting human contact.

By the time of its release, the bobcat weighed more than 15 pounds and its paw pads had fully healed, according to the Humane Society.

"Our team was committed to ensuring this bobcat could heal and return home to the wild," said Autumn Welch, wildlife operations manager at the Ramona Wildlife Center.

"Bobcats play a vital role in our local ecosystems by helping maintain balance and keeping rodent and small mammal populations in check," Welch added. "Watching a predator with injuries this severe fight his way back, regain his strength and run back into his native habitat makes every single hour of care worthwhile."

Camp Pendleton personnel joined the Project Wildlife team for the release.

The Humane Society advises people who encounter injured or displaced wildlife not to approach, feed or handle the animals and instead contact Project Wildlife or local animal services.