TAMPA, Fla. — What began as a roadside rescue took an unexpected turn when a group of good Samaritans realized the tiny “kitten” they saved was actually a wild bobcat.
The driver spotted the small animal stranded in traffic and rushed to move it to safety. But upon closer inspection, they noticed its short tail and fierce demeanor—clear signs this was no ordinary house cat.
The bobcat, later named Spirit Feather, was turned over to a local clinic before being transferred to Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida.
A Second Chance in the Wild
The 2½-month-old bobcat was slightly underweight but otherwise healthy. Rescuers believe she was separated from her mother, possibly due to habitat disruption from urban development.
“Even though handling her is difficult, it’s exactly what we want for her,” Big Cat Rescue wrote in a statement. “She needs to see humans as the enemy if she is going to survive in the wild one day.”
Preparing for Freedom
Spirit Feather will remain at the sanctuary for three months while she grows stronger and hones her natural instincts. To keep her stimulated, caregivers gave her a stuffed squirrel for comfort and cardboard boxes to shred—an activity she enthusiastically mastered overnight.
Her name carries special meaning: “Feather was a tribute to our blessed Little Feather, but this little bobcat showed us that Spirit just had to be part of her new name,” the rescue explained.
Update: Spirit Feather’s Progress
The young bobcat has since moved to an outdoor enclosure, where she’s practicing hunting skills.
“She’s getting big and is hunting her own food,” the rescue shared. “She will be a great candidate for release when she is ready.”
Big Cat Rescue, known for its wildlife rehabilitation efforts, continues to advocate for the conservation of big cats and educate the public about human-wildlife coexistence.
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