Wildlife rescue urges you to let professionals help injured animals

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. -- A Southwest Florida wildlife center is reminding residents that it is usually best to let professional caregivers help any animals that are found injured.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida in Naples shared an image to social media Friday that shows a bobcat in their care.

They explain that while the people that cared for the young cat in their home had good intentions, they did feet the wild animal processed cat food as part of its diet.

They say now the cat is having a hard time adjusting her diet and shows little interest in the rats and mice she is offered.

They urge anyone in the area that finds a wild animal to contact the von Arx Wildlife Hospital or call us at 239-262-CARE to get help and assess the situation.

 

This bobcat’s story exemplifies why we ask people not to care for injured or orphaned wildlife This young bobcat was raised in a home for almost two months and while her caregivers tried to give her a nutritionally balanced diet, she was given processed cat food instead of food items she would need to recognize when released. The biggest challenge we are encountering is that the bobcat is having a hard time adjusting to the change in diet. She shows little interest in eating the rats and mice she is offered and continues to prefer the processed cat food. If you find a wild animal, please bring it to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital or call us at 239-262-CARE so we can at least help you assess the situation. #swfl #cats #bobcat #bobcats #wildlifehospital #wildlife #animals #florida #naples #animallovers #animallover #wildanimals

A post shared by Conservancy of SWFL (@conservancyswf) on Jan 19, 2018 at 8:43am PST