A bobcat wearing a plastic pipe around its neck is quite a comical sight to be sure. But, it’s also a potentially deadly development for a wild critter with no means to safely disentangle itself.
Understanding the potential for danger, Englewood resident Michelle Emerson made the right call by calling the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission when she happened to spot an entangled bobcat in her yard. Emerson called the agency’s Lakeland Regional Office and spoke with Lindsay Gattman, an FWC wildlife assistance biologist, for advice.
Gattman asked Emerson to keep her eyes open for the cat’s return. She did and also made sure to ask neighbors to do the same by posting her story on social media, FWC reported on its Facebook page.
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Luckily for the critter it did return to the area and Emerson and one of her neighbors made the sighting and a follow up call to FWC.
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“Dr. Jennifer Korn, one of our panther biologists, volunteered to help and was able to trap this 2-year-old female bobcat,” FWC reported. Korn and biologist Josh Birchfield sedated the cat and removed the pipe from its neck. The animal, FWC noted, was otherwise in perfect health.
Korn credits Emerson and her neighbor for helping save the cat.
“Our thanks to everyone involved,” FWC reported.
People who happen to spot wildlife in trouble, as was the case here, are asked to contact the FWC wildlife hotline at 1-800-404-3922.
FWC also says the story serves as a cautionary tale.
“This story is a great reminder to pick up or secure any trash or debris you may find outdoors,” the agency posted. “You may save a life!”
Photos courtesy of the FWC Facebook page
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