Baby bobcat with traumatic injuries recovering at In-Sync Exotics in Wylie

WYLIE, TX (July 23, 2021) A young mail bobcat is recovering after a traumatic injury, likely the result of a run-in with a car.

In-Sync Exotics was contacted by a concerned resident after seeing the bobcat struggling. The bobcat was immediately retrieved by a member of the In-Sync Exotics team and brought in for assessment. After ensuring the bobcat, named Elijah, was stable, he was taken to Animal Imaging in Plano for further assessment. An MRI indicated fractures in his spine and shoulders. After review by neurologist Dr. Dukate, the bobcat’s spinal cord was found to be intact and his prognosis for recovery is good after 6-8 weeks of crate rest, pain medication, and physical therapy if necessary.

Elijah is now under the care of In-Sync Exotics veterinarian Dr. Cameron Ratliff as well as additional monitoring by staff and volunteers. He has not demonstrated friendliness toward the humans caring for him, which is a good sign. If he is able to make a full physical recovery, he will be transferred to a wildlife rehabilitation specialist in hopes that he can go back to living life in the wild. If he is not deemed a good candidate for release, In-Sync will provide him a safe, healthy environment in which to grow up and live out his life.

Bobcats can be found throughout much of North America and are highly adaptable and skilled hunters. Their natural prey includes rodents, reptiles, birds, and insects. They have been seen in increasing numbers in urban areas as humans are building in what was once wild habitat. If you see a bobcat in your neighborhood, the best thing you can do is to leave it alone. If it is injured, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation specialist. For additional information regarding urban bobcats, see story link below.

Though not much larger than domestic cats, bobcats are not suited to being pets – their requirements for space, diet, habitat, and activities cannot be adequately provided for in a domestic setting.

About In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center

In-Sync Exotics, a non-profit organization established in 2000, is dedicated to the rescue of neglected, abused, and unwanted exotic felines. American Sanctuary Association (ASA) accredited, Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) verified, and a member of Tigers in America, In-Sync Exotics provides the highest quality care for the 69 exotic animals that reside at the sanctuary.

Submitted press release, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News.