First successful rescue, rehabilitation, and release of a wild cougar in California

Описание: LOS ANGELES, Calif.— A cougar that was rescued after being burned in the Bobcat fire has successfully been released back into the wild after receiving expert medical care by the new Wildlife Disaster Network team.

Last month the Cougar Conservancy received a call from a resident living in Monrovia, California with concerns about an injured cougar in their backyard. After investigation of the homeowner’s property by the Cougar Conservancy’s Conflict Task Force, the California Department of Fish and WIldlife (CDFW) responded and safely captured the injured cougar. After closer inspection, the female cougar had sustained burns on all four paw pads, likely from the nearby Bobcat Fire, and was transported to CDFW’s Wildlife Investigations Laboratory for treatment.

“This is the first time that CDFW has rescued, rehabilitated, and released a wild cougar in the state of California.” says Korinna Domingo, Founder and Director of the Cougar Conservancy. “We are so proud to be part of this historic moment.”

The Wildlife Disaster Network veterinarians Dr. Peyton of UC Davis and CDFW’s Dr. Clifford implemented a suite of burn treatments to heal the cougar’s burned paws, including tilapia skin bandages and infrared laser treatment to the affected tissue. Veterinarians also corrected the cougar’s dehydration and ensured that she was getting adequate nutrition, all whilst controlling her pain through a variety of medications.

“The reason we are finding that rescuing this one mountain lion is so fulfilling is that she isn’t just one wild animal— she is an ambassador. She represents all of the challenges that this species has right now,” says Johanna Turner, Advisory Committee Member of the Cougar Conservancy.

California has been facing a devastating fire season. Five of the top twenty largest wildfires in California history have occurred in 2020. There are currently no estimates for how many wild animals are injured, displaced, or even killed by wildfires.


“With the increase in human-caused wildfires, these incidents are only going to become more frequent, and we hope that the Cougar Conservancy can be a resource for both wildlife communities and human communities.” says Domingo.
---

Your donations help us to prevent conflicts, directly intervene when a cougar's life is on the line, and provide education programs to the public. Please support our work: www.CougarConservancy.org/donate
---
For Press & Media Use:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1471872...

#MonroviaCougar #CougarConservancy