Pharo and Cleopatra, two 7 month old Bobcats explore their new home at the Witter Wildlife Refuge. Photo By James Orr

The Witter Wildlife Refuge Bobcats got names and a new home this weekend.  As you may recall from previous articles the two seven month old bobcats where rescued after their mother was shot. The cubs were raised with house cats by the hunter who intended to sell them.  In Arkansas like most states it is illegal to sell animals taken from the wild.  The cubs were extremely malnourished and placed with a licensed rehabilitator.  Long story short the bobcats got healthy but are too imprinted with humans to be released in the wild at this time.

They like people so much that they rub and climb on anyone that gets close enough to give them the chance. 

As a licensed rehabilitator we have to adhere to Federal Regulations that define minimum standards for wildlife rehabilitation.  These regulations dictate the housing space required for each species of wildlife as well as acceptable medical and handling practices.

The space requirements for wildlife patients is defined in various categories depending on the condition of the animal.  An injured animal that needs lots of “cage rest” can be placed in a much smaller cage than a healthy animal getting prepared for release.

Large birds for example require very large cages big enough to fly in to build up wing muscles and hone hunting skills.  Releasing an animal before it is strong enough to hunt is a death sentence.  These flight cages should encourage the bird to make turns and maneuvers.  This can be accomplished with “L” shaped cages.

Animals that are housed long term or permanently require the largest space so that they can get the appropriate exercise.  They also need access to sunlight and fresh air.

Thanks to donations received over the Christmas holidays we were able to build a much larger facility for the two bobcats.  The new enclosure has a large underground cave, a pool, a natural pond, a steam, live trees, rocks, boulders and hollow logs.

The large space gives the cats room to run, climb, swim and play.  Unlike domestic cats, Bobcats love water.  They play in the hose when we clean their cage and enjoy the pond even in freezing weather.  The large outdoor enclosure creates a natural environment that might help encourage the bobcats to revert to their wild ways.  If they do not it is large enough to afford them a comfortable environment to live out their lives.

The cage has a barrier fence made of cedar to block the view of the wolf pen.  One of the regulations states that animals in our care should not have the stress of watching it’s enemies.   Since these cats were raised in a house with domestic pets they do not seemed phased by dogs or wolves but  we still have to follow the regs.

The new cage also has a two chamber entrance to prevent the fast cats from slipping out the door when opening the cage.  Handlers have to enter a small cage foyer, close the first door and then they can open the second door to the cat area.  If the cats try to slip out they are still in a caged enclosure.

Because of the bobcats incredible leaping and climbing ability the entire cage has steel mesh over top of it.

Although these bobcats are very friendly most of the time their demeanor changes quickly when they are fed raw meat.  They get very aggressive and will even attack each other  when they smell or see fresh meat.  To protect the cats and their human feeders the cage has two separate feeding drawers that food can be passed into the cage to each cat independently.

We have received numerous name suggestions from readers that participated in the “Name the Bobcat Contest”

We had a lot of great names submitted.  Some were very clever such as Whirlwind, Hurricane, Clawed, and Slash.  Some were funny like “pinky panky poo” and “winky wanky woo”. 

We as had a few accompanied with the historical meanins of the name such as; Barbara (Beautiful, courageous), Bertram (Glorious warrior),
Sebastian (Christian Martyr of Rome),  Sibyl (Prophetesses oracle by Greek a Romans)

Other submissions included; Rufus, Felicia, Witter, Boston, Zoe, Zango, Bob, Bobbie,  Mingo, Candy,  Bobbie & Socks, Boggie & Bacall, Speckles and Freckles, Lynx & Minx, Robert  and Katrina, Zynt & Zyorray, and Red & Pepper.

We selected simple one and two syllable names so it is easy for the cats to learn their name.  We also selected two very different sounding names so each cat can distinguish its name from the other. 

We settled on “Cleopatra” (Cleo) for the female and “Pharo” for the male.  The winners are Kenzi & Shayleigh Watkins who will get a chance to meet the Bobcats, get a photograph taken and receive a plaster cast of a bobcat footprint.

NEW  PATIENTS
Two new patients were admitted this past week, a cardinal that survived a cat attack and a young female deer apparently hit by a car.  The deer was disoriented with lacerations and bleeding.  She is doing fine under the care of Franco and Bamboo the resident deer here at the Refuge.  The cardinal is also fine but will have to wait until he grows some new feathers before he will be fully able to fly.

DONATIONS NEEDED If you would like to help any donation amount  it is greatly appreciated.  Donations should be made out to Witter Wildlife Refuge and can be sent to P.O. Box 1118, Huntsville AR 72740.

See web page under "HOW YOU CAN HELP" for specific ways you can help us help wildlife