CA Bobcat Burned In El Dorado Fire Returns To The Wild

RAMONA, CA — A young bobcat that was rescued from the massive El Dorado Fire in October has returned to the wild, the San Diego Humane Society announced Tuesday. The young female cat was badly burned but was able to make a full recovery.

The bobcat first arrived to San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center on Oct. 13 after a Yucaipa resident discovered the injured wildcat while walking her dogs. The resident was able to carefully transport the teenage cat to a vetrinary clinic in Grand Terrace.

"The cat was so growly that veterinary staff hesitated to open the carrier and instead contacted CADFW," Humane Society officials said Tuesday.

The bobcat was soon handed over to the care of San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife.

After more than a month of rehabilitation, the 7-to-9-month-old bobcat was taken by a state Department of Fish and Wildlife staffer to "a site outside of the burn area that has been predetermined by biologists to have rich food and water sources for the animal to continue to thrive," according to a statement from the Humane Society.

“This is why we work so hard for every single patient who comes through our doors — so they can return to the wild and thrive in their natural habitat,” said Andy Blue, campus director at San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center. “This little fighter went from emaciated with severe burns to becoming a feisty predator who will be able to fend for herself in nature. We are thrilled!”

The medical team at Project Wildlife treated and dressed all of her burns, some of which were severe and infected. In one month, the female wildcat doubled in size and after seven weeks, she had made a full recovery, humane society officials said in a statement.

Every year, Project Wildlife helps some 12,000 injured, orphaned and sick wild animals, according to the San Diego Humane Society.

The El Dorado was sparked Sept. 5 near Yucaipa by a pyrotechnic device used during a gender reveal party, fire officials said. The fire, which scorched 22,744 acres and killed one firefighter, was fully contained Nov. 16.

And although the fire, along with the Apple and Snow Fires were contained, fire officials still urged residents to take caution.

"We're pleased to see this improvement, but we remain cautious," said Deputy Fire Chief Scott Howes in a statement. "We've experienced below normal precipitation and several heat waves over the last six months. Temperatures continue to be high, the vegetation is drying out again and there is no new precipitation in sight."

READ MORE: CA Wildfire Victims Have Two Weeks To Register For Federal Aid