Bobcat sisters released into wild near Powell River, B.C., 10 months after being found

Two orphaned bobcat sisters were recently released back into the wild near Powell River, B.C., after being found malnourished near a logging road almost a year ago.

Last July, Merrilee Prior from the Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society (PROWLS) received a call about two kittens being discovered by someone driving along a logging road near the Sunshine Coast city. The kittens, estimated to be around two weeks old, had lost their mother just days before and were in desperate need of nourishment. Prior described them as “very, very hungry” and recalled the haunting sounds they made as they tried to feed them.

After being rescued, the bobcat kittens were placed in a crate and transported to Angelika Langen, who runs the Northern Lights Wildlife Society in Smithers, B.C. Over the next 10 months, the sisters were kept in an enclosure away from human contact to prepare them for their eventual return to the wild. Food was delivered to them through a chute to ensure they did not associate humans with sustenance.

Langen emphasized the importance of returning animals to their natural habitat to maintain genetic diversity and population numbers. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to care for the bobcats during their rehabilitation.

The release process involved a three-day journey from Smithers to Prince Rupert, followed by a ferry ride to Port Hardy and another ferry to Powell River. The bobcats arrived in separate crates due to their tendency to squabble, and upon release, they hesitated briefly before venturing off into their newfound freedom.

Prior and her team felt a sense of accomplishment and joy as they witnessed the bobcats return to the wild. The exact population of bobcats in B.C. remains unknown, but residents are advised to minimize wildlife attractants to prevent encounters in residential areas.

The heartwarming story of these bobcat sisters serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts. Through the dedication of organizations like PROWLS and Northern Lights Wildlife Society, orphaned animals are given a second chance at life in their natural environment.